What I'd like to see from each New Jersey Devils forward in 2025-26: Part 1

From Thomas Bordeleau to Nico Hischier, I covered eight different forwards.

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September is just around the corner, which means we’re finally nearing the return of New Jersey Devils hockey.

With that in mind, it’s time to share my thoughts on each Devils player and highlight what I’d like to see from them this coming season.

We’re going to start up front and go alphabetically. Let’s get into it!

Thomas Bordeleau: Earn a job

Bordeleau is somewhat of a wild card for the Devils this season. I don’t know that much is expected from him but he can open some doors if he shows up to camp and performs well.

It’s well documented the Devils don’t have a lot of talent or depth down the middle after Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier.

If Bordeleau earns a roster spot and contributes some offense in a depth role, it’ll really help round out the bottom of the roster.

Bordeleau has good puck skills and a history of decent production on the power play. He’s also competent in the circle, owning a career 48.9 win percentage through 400+ draws.

Put simply, it’s not far fetched he shows well in preseason and proves he’s deserving of a roster spot.

If so, he gives the Devils additional flexibility. Whether they run into injuries, want to give the bottom-6 a jolt, or alternative center options are struggling (Juho Lammikko, let’s say), Bordeleau proving capable of playing in the NHL would give Sheldon Keefe another option and help ensure he’s not boxed into the same lineup out of necessity.

Jesper Bratt: Keep climbing

Bratt has been a great player for a long time and yet he continues to find ways to reach new heights.

He has increased his goal total, point total, or a combination of the two, in four consecutive seasons. And yet there still could be a little more meat on the bone.

Bratt has produced more than a point per game in back-to-back years. He had 83 points in 2023-24 despite a putrid power play and the team’s top two centers, one of which he is always stapled to, combining to miss 31 games.

He nearly hit 90 points this past year under similar circumstances. The power play was better but the 5v5 offense sucked, Jack Hughes missed 20 games once again, Nico Hischier missed a small chunk of games, and the only two good offensive defensemen on the roster were sidelined for 10+ games each.

Sure, you could argue Bratt has more on his plate offensively when some of the team’s best players are not available. I still think he’d be better served with the elite weapons the Devils roster playing more games and helping create more goals.

If Bratt increases his goal or point output once again, that probably means a) the 5v5 offense is better and/or b) the team’s best players, particularly down the middle, are healthier. That’d be a good sign.

Connor Brown: Ace in the hole