Devils' Bratt Team MVP at All-Star Break

Even without Jack Hughes' injury, Jesper Bratt deserved a slot at the 2024 NHL All-Star Game after a fantastic first half of 2023-24.

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With Jack Hughes injured and not participating in the All-Star Game yesterday, Jesper Bratt became the New Jersey Devils' lone representative. Bratt had 19 goals and 50 points in 47 games leading into the All-Star Game, so his inclusion shouldn't have come as a surprise. 

There's even a strong argument Bratt should have been an All-Star before Hughes' injury. Let's look at how valuable he's been to the Devils and what he means to the team as they try to get themselves back in the playoff race coming out of the break. 

Bratt Has Improved in Each of His Last 3 Seasons

Bratt hasn't come out of nowhere. Devils fans know that, but his value to the team has increased in each of the last three seasons. Even in 2021-22, when the Devils were hanging out in the NHL's basement due to goaltending woes, Bratt was making his mark. 

In fact, that 2021-22 season was Bratt's breakout campaign. He had produced at 50-point paces in each of his previous three years, but it was 2021-22 that showed he could be one of the team's top scorers. 

Bratt finished that season with 26 goals and 73 points in 76 games, marking career highs for both goals and assists. His value to the team soared, as he ended the season with a total goals above replacement (GAR) of 11.5 and a wins above replacement (WAR) of 2.

That play carried over into 2022-23, as Bratt matched his 73 points and scored a career-high 32 goals, helping lead the Devils to a 52-win season. He finished with a total GAR of 10.9 and WAR of 1.8, and though the counting totals weren't there in the playoffs, his play was not as poor as some fans may have thought.