A few New Jersey Devils notes on this off-day:
1) I'm fine with Stefan Noesen placeholding on the right side of the 2nd line – though he doesn't produce much individually, generally good things have been happening with him on the ice – but I still think Miles Wood deserves a shot there sooner than later. His defensive game has improved a lot and he's been much more dangerous offensively than the alternatives with Kyle Palmieri out.
Wood could very well be the fastest skater on the team – and is one of the few guys who plays with an edge – so I think it makes sense to use him in that slot.
It's certainly worth trying as opposed to steadily trotting out Drew Stafford, who has four 5v5 points in 24 games despite steady ice, on line two.
2) Good news: Sami Vatanen has played on the top pairing, and faced stiff competition, yet has only been on the ice for six high-danger chances against at 5v5 in three games.
Bad news: he has one shot in that game state and it may be his best attribute. Vatanen replacing Santini, who was getting caved in on the top unit, is a big upgrade but this usage essentially neuters his offensive game.
3) Your daily reminder Nico Hischier is really damn good: Hischier is tied with Alex Ovechkin for 12th among 323 eligible forwards (200+ 5v5 minute) in 5v5 points per 60 and ranks ahead of notables like John Tavares, Patrick Kane, Auston Matthews, and Jack Eichel.
Using the same criteria, he ranks 40th in scoring chances/60 and has averaged more than the likes of Connor McDavid, Steven Stamkos, Joe Pavelski, Jamie Benn, Evgeni Malkin and some other guys you may have heard of.
This kid is going to be special.