THN polled 34 web staffers for their predictions, and according to the results, the Devils are in for a successful 2023-24 season.
The Hockey News recently held a preseason poll ahead of the 2023-24 season. A total of 34 THN writers participated in the survey, ranging from NHL Award winners to the next city that will be granted an NHL team.
The Devils are again expected to be a top team in the league. With the offseason acquisition of Tyler Toffoli, New Jersey has arguably the best top-nine in the NHL, which is the goal for general manager Tom Fitzgerald. In THN's poll, the Devils earned votes in both individual and team awards. Let's break it all down.
Hischier Favorite for Selke Trophy
For Boston Bruins fans, the retirement of Patrice Bergeron meant the end of the era. For Devils fans, it marked the beginning of a new one.
Last season, Hischier was the runner-up for the Selke Trophy, which is awarded annually to the National Hockey League forward who demonstrates the most skill in the defensive component of the game. He earned three first-place votes, while Bergeron, the clear favorite, tallied 187. During the 2022-23 campaign, Hischier became recognized around the league for his game, and entering this season is a clear favorite.
During media availability last week, the Swiss captain was asked about the Selke Trophy now that Bergeron has retired. With a smirk, he kept his answer short and sweet, "I don't focus too much on that."
The 24-year-old captain earned 14 of the 34 votes, beating Toronto Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner and Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov.
Hughes Ties With Draisaitl for Most Underpaid Player
Hughes broke out in his fourth NHL season. The first-overall pick was the runner-up for the Lady Byng Trophy, finished eight in Hart Trophy Voting as the league's MVP, and set a franchise record with 99 points on the season.
Did I mention he was only 21 years old at the time?
On Nov. 30, 2021, the Devils locked Hughes into an eight-year, $64,000,000 deal with a cap hit of $8,000,000. That contract is arguably one of the best in the league, considering his age and what his point production is projected to be as he hits his prime.
The best move of GM Tom Fitzgerald's tenure will be locking Hughes into a team-friendly deal throughout his best playing years. This season, he has the third-highest cap hit on the team behind Dougie Hamilton and Timo Meier.
The star center earned three votes, which tied him for the most with Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers.
Ruff Ties With Deboer for 3rd Place for Jack Adams
From fans calling for his job to finishing second in Jack Adams voting, Ruff experienced the highs and lows of Kingda Ka last season.
When all was said and done, he led his team to a regular season record of 52-22-8 and 112 points, which became a new franchise record.
Additionally, their 49-point improvement from the 2021-22 campaign is a league record. The club finished as the third-best team in the league behind the Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes.
Oh, did I mention fans publicly apologized for their initial reactions to a 0-2 start with a "Sorry Lindy" chant?
At THN, Buffalo Sabres coach Don Granato was the clear favorite for the Jack Adams, followed by Rod Brind'Amour. Earning four votes was Ruff and Dallas Stars coach Pete DeBoer.
Devils Tie with Avalanche for Presidents' Trophy
The Presidents' Trophy is an award presented by the National Hockey League to the team that finishes with the most points during the NHL regular season. The Devils have never won the honors, but the time could be quickly approaching.
The team's strongest weapon is their offense, and in Monday night's split-squad, 20 players earned a point. Not much stock goes into preseason hockey, but it's a good sign that the players are already clicking offensively.
In the THN Poll, New Jersey earned seven votes, along with the Colorado Avalanche, to finish second in voting behind the Carolina Hurricanes, who received 10 of 34 votes.