Breakout Candidate: Arseniy Gritsyuk, RW/LW
A fifth-round pick in the 2019 draft, Gritsyuk signed a one-year contract with New Jersey. He notched 17 goals and 44 points in 49 regular-season games for SKA St. Petersburg in 2024-25, his fifth season in the KHL. Gritsyuk will get a shot to skate on the second line, both at even strength and on the man-advantage. If he sticks, 45-50 points in feasible.
Buy Low Candidate: Simon Nemec, D
New Jersey could use a third offensive blueliner, especially when/if Dougie Hamilton is sidelined. Nemec may get the first chance to fill in for Johnny Kovacevic (knee). Nemec has the puck-moving ability to be a minor force and could man the PP if needed. A strong camp would help him make the team, giving him the opportunity to succeed.
Riser: Jesper Bratt, LW/RW
While it’s odd to put a skater who scored 88 points last year as a riser, hear me out. Bratt’s production has increased each of the last two seasons. If Jack Hughes stays healthy, that bodes well for another uptick in his output. Bratt is in the prime of his career at just 27 years old, which also is a positive. Add those all up and you have a player on the rise.
Faller: Stefan Noesen, LW/RW
People may look at Noesen’s 22 goals and 19 assists and be swayed by the totals. A closer look reveals a slightly different picture. Noesen had 13 goals and 22 points in his first 27 appearances, then posted just nine markers and 10 helpers his next 37 games. His number should again be solid, just don’t expect a repeat.
All stats courtesy of naturalstattrick.com, moneypuck.com, hockeyviz.com, allthreezones.com, hockey-reference.com, eliteprospects.com unless otherwise noted.