With free agency slowing down and few major moves in recent weeks, the NHL offseason has been dominated by lists. Best contracts (Jack Hughes via The Athletic), “Big Three” debates, and even rankings of the best living conditions, fans have seen it all. Now, with training camp about a month away, another list has arrived: the NHL’s top wingers. New Jersey Devils [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils]forward Jesper Bratt landed at No. 8. After the Devils missed the 2023-24 playoffs, Bratt entered the 2024-25 season determined to compete. His perseverance and dedication earned him a nomination for the 2024-25 Bill Masterton Trophy, awarded annually to the player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. Selected 162nd overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Bratt has exceeded all expectations for a sixth-round pick. Now entering his ninth season, he has never worn another jersey and continues to solidify his legacy in New Jersey. At 27, Bratt is in the prime of his career and has improved his performance each season. In 2023-24, he played all 82 games, recording 27 goals and 56 assists for 83 points. The following year, he played 81 games and topped that with 88 points (21 goals, 67 assists). Remarkably, he hasn’t missed a game since April 24, 2022, and earned NHL Star of the Week honors in March 2025. For Devils fans, his recognition as a top-10 winger is no surprise. Bratt’s consistent production, strong playmaking ability, and offensive creativity make him a cornerstone of the lineup. Yet, league-wide, he is often overlooked when discussions of elite players arise. At just 5-foot-10, Bratt may not be the most imposing forward, but he has had a major impact on New Jersey’s offense. Rising from an underrated draft pick to being mentioned alongside stars like Nikita Kucherov and David Pastrnak is a testament to his growth and talent. And he’s far from finished. If Bratt continues his upward trend, he could set new career highs this season and help lead the Devils on a deep playoff run. Alongside Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, he forms part of a dangerous offensive core; his chemistry with Hughes, in particular, has been praised as one of the league’s most dynamic duos. Being named a top winger is a well-deserved honor for Bratt—though hardly a surprise to anyone who has watched him play.
