Ranking the top-10 wingers in the Metro Division

The New Jersey Devils had one winger on last year's list. This year they have three. Who made the list and where did they slot in?

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Every summer I like to rank the best Metro Division players by position and see how the New Jersey Devils stack up in each grouping.

I have already ranked the best goaltenders, the best centers, and the best defensemen the Metro has to offer.

Last, but not least, we have the wingers.

1. Johnny Gaudreau (Last Year: 1)

Gaudreau’s debut season in Columbus didn’t go nearly as smoothly as he – or the Blue Jackets organization – wanted or expected.

Zach Werenski was lost for the season before it really got going, the goaltending was catastrophically bad, the defense wasn’t good enough, and the team dealt with a billion injuries.

Add it all up and the Blue Jackets found themselves picking 3rd overall and making drastic changes this off-season.

That being said, Gaudreau was far from the problem. He was still very effective, producing 74 points while ranking 2nd among Blue Jackets regulars in xGF%.

Although his outputs might not have matched expectations, Gaudreau deserves the benefit of the doubt.

At the end of the day, we’re still talking about a guy who ranks 6th in 5v5 points and 3rd in total primary assists – behind only Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl – over the past two seasons.

He remains a dynamic point producer and play driver. He should greatly benefit from better surroundings in 2023-24.

2. Timo Meier (LY: N/A)

Meier didn’t hit the ground running with the Devils. He was moved up and down the lineup at evens, played different spots on the power play, and was tossed around like a frisbee by Lindy Ruff as he looked to find the optimal fit for the star winger.

Even so, Meier still scored 40 goals, generated 5v5 chances at a higher rate than all but Auston Matthews, and finished the season with an expected goal share above 58%.

Only 15 forwards posted xGF above 58%. Of the group, just two spent most (or all) of the season on non-playoff teams: Andrew Mangiapane and Meier.

Meier played the majority of the season on a terrible team and, clearly, it didn’t slow him down one bit.

Meier is the full package. He can make defenders miss in space or simply overpower them. He can score from range or bulldoze his way to the doorstep. He drives play at an elite level. He hits like a truck. He’s a monster.

Very few players possess his combination of speed, skill, and power. Very few players can score 40 goals and drive play. He’s a unicorn and he’s a New Jersey Devil.

I can’t wait to see what he does in his first full season with the team.