2015-16 record: 38-36-8 (84 points)
Missed the playoffs
Captain: Andy Greene
The first season after longtime General Manager Lou Lamiorello stepped down from the role ended the same way it began: good goaltending, but needing offense. To that end, the Devils' attempts to be more of an up-tempo team took another step forward, as they traded for the franchise forward that they lacked since Zach Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk left town. They still need to improve, but it's a step forward.
Despite getting 30 goal seasons from Kyle Palmieri and Adam Henrique, the only other players to notch double digit goals were Travis Zajac, Mike Cammalleri, and Devante Smith-Pelly, the last of the three actually split time between New Jersey and Montreal. With that in mind, the Devils pulled the trigger on a trade for Taylor Hall, who should benefit from not having to face the more physical Pacific Division teams for half the season. Obviously, he will have the burden of being the franchise forward the Devils have lacked since 2013, but he is also motivated. Scoring depth will still be an issue, which could also open the door for Pavel Zacha to make the jump to the NHL from the juniors. Despite losing Adam Larsson in the Hall trade, the Devils have good depth on the blue line when it come to their own end. However, that same group was complicit in the Devils' lack of offensive punch, as Damon Severson led all defenders with 21 points. Finding scoring there will be much harder. Goaltending has no such issue, as Cory Schneider has made the transition from Martin Brodeur fairly seamless. He's been the team's best player by far, and backup Keith Kinkaid is competent, but will need to rebound from a less than sterling season in which he posted just okay numbers and Scott Wedgewood waiting in the wings. Special teams were in the top ten each, and while Hall will only add to the power play while the penalty kill was up there, too.
Prediction: 7th in the Metropolitan Division
The Devils need more offense, especially from their blue liners, but getting Hall will answer the Devils' need for a focal point when the Devils have the puck. As always, defense and goaltending will continue to rule the day for the Devils, who need it until the offense comes around.
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