The New Jersey Devils are 4-2-1 and the Utica Comets are undefeated at 4-0-0. You could not have asked for a better start for the Devils organization that have struggled at times during their rebuild as their young talented draft picks are now blossoming into productive and effective players.
Dawson Mercer, 18th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, can be easily considered the steal of the draft. His immediate impact on the New Jersey Devils has produced seven points with a plus 5 rating. He is easily getting under opposing team’s skin and often mucking it up in front of the crease. His hard nose style has the respect of his teammates and has stepped up in the absence of Jack Hughes with a dislocated shoulder. The kid just turned 20 and we are seeing a possible future Calder trophy winner in the making.
Forwards Andreas Johnsson and Jimmy Vesey have been pleasant surprises and are contributing timely goals. Dougie Hamilton and Ryan Graves have played well as advertised. I’d like to see them to take more risks and get more involved offensively.
Special teams has been such an issue with the Devils. If their penalty killing was better, they could easily have been in the top three of the Metropolitan Division right now. They need to improve quickly or else they will fall behind in a very competitive division.
The Comets’ hot start has given Devils fans high hopes and the light at the end of the tunnel. Alexander Holtz’s performance has been stellar with five goals and a plus 2 rating. Goaltender Nico Daws has a win with both the Comets and Devils. Nikita Okhotiuk, Reilly Walsh, and Aarne Talvitie have played well. I would like to see Nolan Foote and Kevin Bahl play better.
Let’s see what the November brings for both teams.