New Jersey Devils mid-season player grades - Part 2

In the final part of this mini-series, David Mudrak grades Devils forwards through the first 50 games.

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By David Mudrak (@MuddyOpinions)

For this post, I will be grading each of the forwards who are on the team and have played at least ten games. This will remove players like Graeme Clarke, Tomas Nosek, and Michael McLeod. 

Furthermore, the grades will incorporate that specific player's salary and expectations. The grades are my subjective opinion based on the data listed and observations. Rather than being right about all these players, I hope this is an entertaining exercise that will spark some conversation in the comments.  

[B] Alexander Holtz 49GP (12-11-23)
GAR: 2.9, WAR: 0.5
CF%: 50.36, GF%: 52.08, xGF%: 48.61

Alexander Holtz has taken a step forward in his development this year, but he has not always been given the chance to show his full growth by being left in the bottom six for the majority of the year. Holtz has been noticeably quicker, moving the puck through the neutral zone or rushing to meet a player against the boards while forechecking. However, he can still have moments where he looks slightly relaxed when trying to get back puck possession or make a defensive play. Holtz may never develop into a strong defensive player, but the key is that he does not need to. He has posted positive results and 23 points while mostly being stuck on the 4th line. He is progressing meaningfully and has erased the concern that he will be a complete bust. While Holtz may deserve time with one of the top two lines, he still must show he can handle it. 

[C+] Chris Tierney 28GP (1-4-5)
GAR: 1.5, WAR: 0.2
CF%: 48.96, GF%: 50.00, xGF%: 49.87

As a league minimum off-season addition, Chris Tierney was likely not set to play much more than a 4th role. After topping out at a career-high of 48 points in 2018-2019, there was the possibility that he would rediscover his game and provide the type of play that would warrant some time in the top-nine but, with five points in twenty-eight games played, this has not been the case. Tierney has not been a liability to the team but has not provided much more than a replacement-level player. 

[A] Curtis Lazar 44GP (6-10-16)
GAR: 8.4, WAR: 1.3
CF%: 52.20, GF%: 58.97, xGF%: 58.02

Curtis Lazar has been an excellent addition to the New Jersey Devils. Lazar was brought over to add depth and complexity to the 4th line and has blown those minuscule expectations out of the park. He was able to step up when injuries decimated the roster, has consistently fought hard, has put up very positive numbers, and is on track to easily pass his career best for points. Lazar has done much better than expected and is exactly the type of depth steal that helps create a contending team.  

[C-] Dawson Mercer 49GP (14-10-24)
GAR: -3.1, WAR: -0.5
CF%: 49.27, GF%: 43.28, xGF%: 48.27

Dawson Mercer has taken a step back this season. He is on pace for 40 points, which would be the lowest of his career. While he still shows flashes of his creativity and drive, he has looked slightly off all year. Mercer benefited from his linemates last season, and with the roster constantly in flux this year because of injuries, he has not had the same consistent boost from his teammates. While Mercer will likely never be a play-driving winger, it is disappointing that he has struggled so greatly when he is not on a line with elite talent. 

[B+] Erik Haula 43GP (11-14-25)
GAR: 4.7, WAR: 0.8
CF%: 54.01, GF%: 50.00, xGF%: 56.67

Erik Haula has mostly held steady from last year’s performance and the year prior with the Boston Bruins. Haula has become a consistent 40-point scorer and helps the team defensively at both 5v5 and on the penalty kill. Haula also brings an element of passion and grit to the roster that the team may have been missing from years past. Haula shows up to play every night and will often stick up for teammates when necessary. Based upon expectations, Haula has been a solid player for the Devils.