One thought on each Metro Division team

With the bulk of the off-season moves behind us, let's take a look at one thing that stands out about each Metro Division side.

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While there will still be some movement and tinkering from teams before training camps open up next month (thank god), the majority of the work has been done league-wide.

With that in mind, I wanted to share one thought on the New Jersey Devils and their division mates.

Carolina Hurricanes: The rich get richer 🤑

The Hurricanes are consistently one of the best penalty killing teams in the NHL, if not the best. That was the case again in 2024-25, with the Canes limiting shot attempts and goals more effectively than anybody else.

Their power kill flexed its muscles against the Devils in the opening round of the playoffs.

New Jersey had almost 30 minutes of time on the man advantage. They controlled only 68% of the shots – the lowest of any playoff team – and were outscored 1-0. Jack Hughes or not, you expect a lot better than that.

Creating offense on the power play against Carolina will not get any easier next season. Quite the contrary.

Why?

The Hurricanes added K’Andre Miller, who led all defensemen in PK WAR per 82 games last season. They’re going to be a nightmare to deal with.

Columbus Blue Jackets: An exciting follow 🔵

The Blue Jackets made a couple of additions this summer – most notably Charlie Coyle – but they’ll by and large rely on internal improvement to help them take the next step and push toward a playoff spot. A reasonable course of action.

They have a ton of talented youngsters in Kirill Marchenko, Yegor Chinakhov, Adam Fantilli, Dmitry Voronkov, Kent Johnson, Denton Mateychuk, and goaltender Jet Greaves, among others.

If those players can play key roles and continue to improve, the Blue Jackets could be a playoff team. If not anything else, a fun side to watch.

Should things go sideways, be it due to a lack of top-tier talent or underwhelming goaltending, the Blue Jackets will be a team to monitor closely come March.

With gritty veterans like Coyle, Boone Jenner, and Erik Gudbranson on expiring contracts, they’d likely be very active at the deadline.

New Jersey Devils: Health is wealth 🏥