New Jersey Devils notes: On spreading the wealth and Jon Gillies

Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell | @InfernalAccess

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

---

A couple New Jersey Devils thoughts:

Should the Devils spread the wealth?

Jesper Bratt is a top line forward. He has averaged nearly a point per game, piled up shot contributions at a higher rate than all but Jack Hughes up front, and he has shown the ability to help drive play on any line he skates on.

Given as much, it’s reasonable to expect him to reclaim a spot on Jack Hughes’ wing upon his return. But should he? I’m not so sure; and that’s not me suggesting Bratt doesn’t deserve that kind of role. Not at all.

It just might make sense to try something different and balance the top-9. Hear me out.

Yegor Sharangovich and Jack Hughes have consistently made magic happen whenever they’ve played together for two years now. While Bratt certainly helps enhance that duo, his presence isn’t required for the line to be effective.

We saw that firsthand in the last game prior to the pause. Dawson Mercer was given a shot as a winger on the team’s No. 1 scoring line and he looked terrific.

He showed great chemistry with Jack and his puck hounding ability proved very beneficial to the line, whether he was winning battles in the corner or pressuring Lightning players into turnovers.

Then there’s Pavel Zacha, Nico Hischier, and Tomas Tatar. Those are not the optimal linemates for Nico in terms of maximizing his scoring potential. Those are, however, the optimal linemates for Nico in terms of controlling play and limiting what they give up to top competition. That’s right; their defensive metrics are noticeably better than when Bratt is on the line.

With Jesper Boqvist showing it’s at least possible he can play center on a nightly basis and create his fair share of offense, it’s fair to wonder if he deserves a shot alongside a talent like Bratt. That could really balance the lineup and give the Devils three lines that are very good at generating chances or preventing chances, if not both.

The team has nothing to play for so I think it’s worth experimenting.