Devils Need To Bring In More Forwards Ahead of Season

The New Jersey Devils revamped some of their forward group for this season and it looks better, but the organizational depth is worrisome. For a team that generally deals with a number of injuries, there has to be backup plans and players that can come into the lineup. That doesn't seem like the case.

The Devils have a few players on PTOs, including forwards Luke Glendening and Kevin Rooney, but that just isn't good enough when looking at their roles in the past and what they will actually do in the lineup. Certain prospects just aren't ready yet, but I would give Thomas Bordeleau a good chance at being someone younger who can get into the lineup.

As part of the new look bottom-6, Connor Brown, Evgenii Dadonov, Arseny Gritsyuk, and Juho Lammikko were brought in. There is some uncertainty surrounding some of them though.

Brown should be no problem and is a good addition. Dadonov may have to play higher up in the lineup, pushing someone like Ondrej Palat down, but Gritsyuk and Lammikko didn't play in North America last season. The 24-year-old Gritsyuk put up at least 15 goals and 38 points in three consecutive KHL seasons, producing 17 goals and 44 points in 49 games last season. This former fifth round pick finally came over to the Devils at a time they desperately need him. But sometimes players coming from the KHL have a tough time adjusting.

I'm not worried about Gritsyuk, but I am with Lammikko a little bit more. He scored 13 goals and 38 points in 48 games in the National League, a lower league than the KHL and a couple of European leagues. He is expected to be the fourth line center, but there's no guarantee it'll work out.

Beyond those expected full time Devils and Bordeleau, there is really nothing that can make a difference. Kurtis MacDermid averaged less than six minutes per game and recorded no points in 23 contests. The other players given a little time in the NHL averaged around 10 minutes or less, didn't produce, and are around 26 years old or older. There isn't much cap space to make big moves, but there are players like Michael McLeod, Dylan Dube, and Alex Formenton who will be available to target and make a difference. The Devils will likely need to beef up through the season to be top tier contenders.