Four bold New Jersey Devils predictions for the 2023-24 season

JP Gambatese shared bold takes on the Hughes brothers, Akira Schmid, and the team's goal scoring.

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By JP Gambatese (@JP_Gambatese)

With rookies reporting to camp today, I can formally say that hockey season has finally begun.

Opening night is less than a month away, and it’s always a fun time to think about outlandish scenarios that probably won’t happen – but might.

Let’s just jump right into some bold predictions:

Jack scores fewer than 35 goals

I know that based on Jack’s pace from two years ago, and his dominant season last year, all signs point to him having another 40+ goal season. He very well might. The thing is, though, that the Devils have a lot more weaponry now, with the additions of Tyler Toffoli and a full year of Timo Meier. 

Last season, after Bratt, Jack’s most common teammate was (surprise!) Erik Haula. Bratt scored 32 goals last season, so it’s not like he’s a bad shooter, but he’s certainly a pass-first player. With Toffoli and Meier, Haula shouldn’t be anywhere near the top 6, at least to start the year.

What this means is that Hughes doesn’t have to be “the guy” on his line anymore. He’ll still be the guy, to be clear, but he doesn’t have to be the line’s sniper. One of Toffoli or Meier – guys who are known more for putting pucks in the back of the net rather than setting up their teammates – will be adjacent to Hughes on the wing. 

One or both of Toffoli and Meier will be on PP1, too, meaning that Jack doesn’t have to be the sniper there anymore, either. I still think he’s one of the better shooters on the team, but look for him to opt for the pass more often now that the Devils have more finishers.

Luke takes over PP1