Preseason is well underway for the New Jersey Devils, and the roster has been getting trimmed down. All that remains are the NHL regulars from last season and the few battling for the last roster spots. Results have been a success so far in the preseason, but the process has left some to be desired. Throughout the season we will be conducting a weekly stock up/stock down for New Jersey Devils players, coaches, and upper management. In this first edition, we’re taking a look at whose stock has been on the rise during the preseason, and who may be in trouble heading into these final games.
New Jersey Devils Stock Up/Stock Down
Stock Up
Tyce Thompson
Tyce Thompson has been no stranger to making the Devils out of training camp, but injuries have hampered his chance at regular playing time. So far this preseason he has made the most of his opportunity. In three games so far he’s recorded a goal and an assist. Most impressively has been his all-around play. Thompson has looked comfortable playing in the dirty areas of the ice, while also finding ways to use his speed. Unlike some other young players, he has been reliable defensively and willing to throw his body around. In their recent 3-2 OT win against the Philadelphia Flyers he scored as one of the best players on the ice. Thompson should continue to see looks and have a good shot at making it on the opening night roster.
#NHL GameScore Impact Card for New Jersey Devils on 2023-09-30:#NJDevils pic.twitter.com/Ogujv0iiEY
— HockeyStatCards (@hockeystatcards) October 1, 2023
Erik Haula
From a prospect to a veteran, Erik Haula has been another bright spot so far in preseason. After spending much of last season on Jack Hughes’ wing, Haula is finally getting his chance to be the 3C. So far in three games he has made his impact known. In the first of two games against the Flyers, he recorded a goal and an assist. In the following game against the Flyers, he scored the overtime-winning goal. Haula is playing in all situations yet again, while also commanding the third line alongside Ondrej Palat and Dawson Mercer. The responsibility of being Hughes’ babysitter is no more, and his impact on his own so far has been a positive one.
Drop pass from Dawg and Haula buries it home. pic.twitter.com/JARwPxKZ6e
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) October 1, 2023
Stock Down
Colin Miller
Miller came into training camp as the heavy favourite to be the starting right-defenceman on the third pair. However, a handful of shaky performances thus far have left much to be desired. Not to mention Simon Nemec’s play has been NHL-worthy and now looks like the better of the two options. Miller has been playing a lot with Luke Hughes and it’s the veteran who looks lost out there at times. He looks a step behind the play and has been caught flat-footed on occasions. His game metrics against the Rangers were mainly negatives, which backs up the eye test. In Miller’s defence, it’s been known that the Devil’s in-zone defensive scheme is difficult to learn fast. Hopefully, for Miller, it’s just a case of getting used to a new system, but Nemec is pushing.
#NHL GameScore Impact Card for New Jersey Devils on 2023-09-28:#NJDevils pic.twitter.com/r2amFudByC
— HockeyStatCards (@hockeystatcards) September 29, 2023
Nolan Foote
Foote’s preseason hasn’t necessarily been bad, but the players he’s competing for a spot for have been better. Foote, Thompson, and Graeme Clarke were three players vying for a depth role on the Devils, and Foote looks like the clear third. He has had bright spots on the powerplay and a little offensively at 5v5, but he has yet to record a point and his defending has been below average. There were high hopes that Foote could make his way onto the team largely because of his big frame and heavy shot, but he’s yet to utilize either. Thompson has brought more jam to his game and Clarke has looked more dangerous offensively. That being said, Foote may not make the team out of camp, but he should find himself playing NHL games once injuries begin to occur.
