NHL September Power Rankings: Ducks, Capitals, Lightning, Blues Are Stanley Cup Favorites

Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Power Rankings #29: New Jersey Devils

The Devils were a sub-par team last season, finishing with a top 10 pick in the NHL draft. They only made one major upgrade over this off-season, so I think that means that it’s going to be a long year for Devils fans. This is a team that is rebuilding and hoping to discover what they have in their young forwards before deciding what to do about their future.

Adam Henrique is a fine forward, but if you can make a legitimate case that he’s your team’s best forwards, you’re going to have issues. Did I mention Henrique is arguably the Devils best forward? Mike Cammalleri is still an above average goal scorer, but he should really not be in a primary scoring role like he currently is with New Jersey.

The only major upgrade that the Devils made this off-season was trading for Anaheim Ducks forward Kyle Palmieri. I think he has the potential to be something special. With Anaheim’s forward depth, he was never going to get a chance to play anything more than a bottom six role. He’ll get a chance with the Devils to prove himself. If he does well, he’ll stay.

I can’t talk about the Devils without talking about the most underappreciated goalie in the NHL, Cory Schneider. Look at his stats other than wins. Had he been on a good team last year, he likely would have been a Vezina Trophy finalist.

Next: #28