5 Things I Want to See From the Devils Post-Trade Deadline
The New Jersey Devils are unlikely to make the playoffs. Still, there are a few things you want to see to close the season.
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It’s been a trying season for the New Jersey Devils. Much of it is general manager Tom Fitzgerald’s fault for not assembling a strong enough roster. Sheldon Keefe deserves some blame as well, though it does appear he’s changed how the team plays since the Olympic break.
That’s left the Devils in a position where their final 18 games don’t have significant meaning since they’re highly unlikely to make the playoffs. Still, there are a few things I’d like to see to build momentum heading into the offseason and the 2026-27 campaign.
Big Minutes for Gritsyuk & Hämeenaho
There haven’t been many bright spots for the Devils this season, but Arseny Gritsyuk and Lenni Hämeenaho are among them. Gritsyuk has played significantly more minutes than Hämeenaho, so let’s start with him.
Fitzgerald noted in his trade deadline press conference that the goal is to get Gritsyuk signed to a long-term extension. Until that happens, I’d like to see Keefe give Gritsyuk consistent top-six minutes.
Gritsyuk has gotten some run alongside Jack Hughes, but I think Nico Hischier may be the better fit for Gritsyuk. They’ve played 141 minutes together and posted a 53.4 expected goals share (xG%). They’ve also controlled 55.07 percent of the scoring chances and 56.14 percent of the high-danger chances.
Gritsyuk is one of the team’s better shooting threats, and they need to have a better idea of whether he can be a solution in the top six for next season.
As for Hämeenaho, I like where he is now. He has an xG% of 56.97 percent, ranked first among all Devils skaters for the season. He sure looks like he belongs. But at some point, perhaps over the final week or two of the season, feeding him some minutes alongside Hughes or Hischier would be worthwhile. His hockey sense could make him a good fit with either player.
