2014-15 record: 32-36-14 (78 points)
Missed the playoffs
Captain: TBA
Since 1983, the New Jersey Devils had one General Manager in Lou Lamoriello, and in the time since, the Devils won three Stanley Cups and made two more Finals. Many of those came with Martin Brodeur as the goalie. Those days are long gone (three years, really, but it feels like an eternity for Devils fans) and with Lamoriello stepping down, only to resurface in Toronto, there will be a new regime in New Jersey. Unfortunately, the same sad sack Devils of the last three seasons remains.
To try and improve the third worst offense, the Devils picked up Kyle Palmieri and Jiri Tlusty. That's not exactly great moves, but they should move the needle a little, particularly if Adam Henrique and Mike Cammalleri both improve on their numbers and if guys like Travis Zajac and Reid Boucher find their games. A player to watch could be Pavel Zacha, who has the tools to be a great power forward. Defensively, there is decent depth, with Adam Larsson finding his way and Damon Severson showing he belongs. Adding John Moore and David Schlemko should give both Eric Gelinas and Jon Merrill time in the AHL if neither take that next step forward in their development. Goal is where there are no questions, as Cory Schneider is the guy, and once Devils coaching realized that Keith Kinkaid was a viable backup, it improved the Devils immensely from the beginning of the season. However with the new coaching staff, whether the special teams remain status quo is up in the air. Basically, it will be Penguins East, as Ray Shero is the General Manager while John Hynes is head coach and brought along Alain Nasreddine with him. Geoff Ward also joins the coaching staff.
Prediction: 8th in the Metropolitan Division
The Devils are basically starting over this season, and it will be a long season, particularly on offense. Realistically, a chance at Auston Matthews is what Devils fans hope for this season.
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