5 Devils Storylines to Watch During Preseason

Which New Jersey Devils storylines should you be focusing on most during training camp and the preseason?

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It was a longer-than-expected offseason for the New Jersey Devils, but it's time to turn the page. The Prospects Challenge is over, training camp is set to begin, and games begin less than a week from now.

Injuries to two young defensemen have already made for some storylines for the Devils heading into camp. But that's not all you should be on the lookout for over the next couple of weeks leading up to the Global Series in Prague, Czechia, on Oct. 4.

Labanc Is a Good Bounce-Back Candidate

Kevin Labanc doesn't have an NHL contract yet, but I wouldn't rule out him earning one while he's on a PTO with the Devils. There's no doubt he struggled with the San Jose Sharks last season, totaling just nine points in 46 games, but that was an outlier season for him.

Just as recently as 2022-23, Labanc totaled 15 goals and 33 points in 72 games — a 38-point pace over 82 games. For his career, he's averaged 41 points per 82 games, a solid number for a middle-six forward.

And though many of Labanc's underlying metrics were poor a season ago, he also had some bad luck. His 3.3 shooting percentage was far below his 9.3 percent career average. He's never been an elite shooter, but he is due for better shooting luck.

Labanc's expected goals above replacement (xGAR) chart also shows his 2023-24 season looks like an outlier compared to the rest of his career:

Via Evolving Hockey

Of the PTO candidates still out there, Labanc was probably the best the Devils could have done. He's 28, so it's very much possible he still has good hockey left in him and isn't washed up yet.

Plus, with Dawson Mercer still unsigned, it wouldn't be shocking to see Labanc get some top-six minutes during the preseason. That means he'll be playing with some of the Devils' best players, which could benefit him. If so, he could earn an NHL contract.