What I'd like to see from each Devils forward in 2024-25: Part 1

From Nathan Bastian to Jack Hughes, I shared my thoughts on seven Devils forwards.

Follow along on Twitter @ToddCordell | @InfernalAccess

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September is just around the corner and, thankfully, hockey will soon follow. We’re almost there.

With that in mind, I wanted to share my thoughts on each New Jersey Devils player and dive into what I’d like to see from them this coming season.

We’re going to start with the forwards and go alphabetically. Let’s get right to it.

Nathan Bastian: Help form an identity line

The Devils didn’t have much consistency in their lineup construction last season. Due to injuries, peaks and valleys in performance, and slow starts that saw the team fall behind the 8-ball every night (often leading to the lines being blended), there was next to no stability.

The Devils didn’t have many (any?) line combinations they could go to consistently and not feel the need to break up for one reason or another.

I think Bastian can help the Devils change that this season and be a staple on a 4th line centered by Curtis Lazar.

Those two quietly meshed extremely well together last season. The Devils controlled 57% of the expected goals, and 61% of the high-danger chances, over 200 minutes with that duo on the ice.

Lazar plays a predictable, hard-working, north-south game. I think Bastian’s ability to win board battles and cause havoc around the net nicely compliments what Lazar brings to the table.

With any luck, Bastian can build on his work alongside Lazar and help form a reliable partnership Sheldon Keefe can rely on each night.

Jesper Bratt: Be the Devils’ Mitch Marner

Say what you want about Mitch Marner and his playoff failures but that guy is an absolute boss in the regular season.

He was Mr. Everything for Keefe with the Leafs, producing a billion points while playing a ton of minutes in all situations. He didn’t just get spoonfed ice in offensive situations; he was also a primary penalty killer and one of the first guys over the boards while defending leads.

I think Jesper Bratt is more than capable of playing that same role for Devils. They started throwing more on his plate this past season, giving him regular reps on the penalty kill – and he handled it very well.

I want to see him continue to be a go-to guy in all situations while taking another step in terms of converting all the chances he creates (for himself and teammates) into goals.

Paul Cotter: Swiss Army Knife