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1) Prior to preseason play, I speculated Jesper Boqvist would force his way onto the team if given a legitimate chance to showcase himself. So far Boqvist has been given that – he’s played with NHL regulars and/or seen top power play time in each game – and taken full advantage.
Offensively, he’s been as productive as almost anyone, recording 10 shot attempts, seven scoring chances, and a pair of goals in 52 minutes of ice.
Boqvist’s on-ice numbers are as encouraging as his counting numbers, if not more so. The Devils have controlled 55.74% of the shot attempts and 57.82% of the expected goals with Boqvist out there. Both of those totals are great on the surface. They’re even better when looking at how they stack up relative to the team without him.
New Jersey’s CF% is 13.05%(!) lower and their xGF% is 23.25%(!!!) lower without Boqvist on the ice. Three games is three games but that’s an insane discrepancy.
I know the Devils have to factor in contracts, waiver status, etc. when picking the final roster but if they’re really giving the best 23 players jobs, Boqvist certainly deserves one.
2) I expect Mirco Mueller to make the final roster – he is generally good defensively and the Devils have invested a lot into him – but, like Miles Wood, he’s not helping his cause with the level of performance to date. Mueller has not looked great by the eye. He’s made zero (0) strides offensively and his play without the puck isn’t where it needs to be. That’s why it wasn’t surprising to see Mueller ranks dead last among 13 Devils defenders in both relative CF% and relative xGF%. His numbers (-11.96% and -32.31%) are horrifically bad in each category.
Again, I still expect him to make the team if he shows any sign of life. Maybe even if he doesn’t. But with the way things are going, he’s well on his way to playing below Connor Carrick as the lowest defender on the depth chart.
3) With regards to the final cuts up front, I think they’re fairly predictable. Michael McLeod has picked up a couple points but his on-ice impact leaves a lot to be desired. I doubt the Devils waive someone to keep him around unless he *really* shows well in the coming games. I think the waiver situation makes Nathan Bastian a likely cut as well. They like John Hayden and can have him play that 4th line, grinding role without the risk of losing somebody on waivers. If they keep Bastian and decide he’s not ready, that could cost them Hayden so I expect they’ll start with the latter. I could see Rooney sticking around for a bit if the Devils elect to keep just seven defenders.
Numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com
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