New Jersey Devils notes: On Gritsyuk SZN, Nemec, and depth forwards

Gritsyuk continues to pass every test in front of him. Plus, a word on encouraging signs from Nemec and the battle for depth spots up front.

Follow along on Twitter @ToddCordell | @InfernalAccess

Be sure to join the Discord channel to talk hockey with our writers and subscribers.

---

In the blink of an eye the New Jersey Devils have already played five of their seven preseason games. Let’s get into some takeaways thus far.

Arseniy Gritsyuk SZN is upon us

Gritsyuk continues to pass every test he faces. It doesn’t matter if he’s playing on the 4th line or the top line. It doesn’t matter if it’s 5v5 or special teams. It doesn’t matter if it’s a breakaway during regulation or in the shootout. He is consistently finding ways to get the job done.

At 5v5 the Devils have controlled 56% of the xG and outscored opponents 4-2 during his minutes.

That’s impressive considering he played two of his three games with 4th line centers and, in one of them, was tasked with going up against Mathew Barzal’s line nearly every shift.

He has played a big part in helping the Devils tilt the ice and generate offense. Of the 120 forwards who’ve logged 30+ minutes at 5v5 in preseason play, Gritsyuk ranks 4th in shot attempts per 60.

I think it’s very encouraging he showed the ability to make an impact playing on a depth line and PP2, but also in a more prominent role.

The Devils gave him 10 minutes with Jack Hughes on Sunday. In that time, they posted a 91.46 xGF% and scored a goal. That’s all you could hope for, regardless of if the Capitals dressed a watered down lineup.

As an aside, I have also liked what I’ve seen from Gritsyuk when one-on-one with goaltenders.

He’s not overdoing it with fancy dekes but rather gathering the puck and trying to snipe one far side in the gap between the top of the pad and the bottom of the goaltender’s hand. It’s a Mikko Rantanen-type approach and I’m here for it.

A positive step for Nemec