Team: 2023-24 New Jersey Devils

Initial Creation Date: Nov. 29, 2023

Published: Nov. 29, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

- I like how the top line of Toffoli- Hughes- Mercer has looked these past 2 games. I think they have a good blend of scoring ability and defensive capabilities. You also have 2 guys that can take faceoffs on this line

- I think that once Meier returns, he'll likely be plugged back in next to Hischier and Bratt. Palat has played very well the past few games, but I think he can help McLeod and Holtz more than the already defensively responsible Hischier and Bratt. The forechecking skills of McLeod and Palat should grant Holtz a lot of scoring opportunities as well

- Although Haula is getting paid to be our 3C and McLeod is getting paid to be our 4C, it makes no sense to split up McLeod and Holtz who have been dynamite together. McLeod is an excellent transition player which allows Holtz to work his magic in the O zone

- Brendan Smith has been money on the 4th line after a brutal start to the year on the backend. He has been aggressive on the forecheck and hasn't been afraid to throw around his body. Haula and Lazar are very sound 2 way players who will actually be able to chip in offensively. Haula and Lazar are on the 4th line here, but it's essentially acting as the 3rd line 2.0

- Until the Devils are able to find a better shutdown LD, you need to keep Siegenthaler with Hamilton

- I have been fairly unimpressed with this paring for most of the year. I have more of an issue with Bahl as opposed to Marino; I think Marino has really picked up his game, but Bahl has just looked mid IMO. If we can land someone like Zadorov, I'd insert him in Bahl's spot and use Bahl as the 7th D

- Luckily, the Hughes-Miller pairing has been good since they were assembled a few weeks ago. Luke has picked up his game again and Miller has been a good 3rd pairing shutdown guy

- The goaltending has been god awful again this year. IMO, this is now Schmid's net to lose. He has been much better his last 5 outings. A move needs to be made in goal though for sure. I wouldn't hate the idea of carrying 3 goalies tbh. Send Tierney down and sign Halak to a 800k deal. If he doesn't pan out, you waive him