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Devils Forwards Report Cards: The Bad Chris Shaleesh |
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Devils Forwards Report Cards: The Bad
Sometimes the truth hurts. Here are the Devils Forwards that underperformed based on expectations in 24’-25’…
Dawson Mercer: C
Perhaps the expectations need to be adjusted for Dawson Mercer whose near 30 goal/60 point season of 22’-23’ may be less likely to repeat. The 23 year old had just 19 goals this season, with many long goal scoring droughts throughout. Consistency and a bit more of a finishing touch is needed if Merc Dawg will ever reach near his career high 27 again. On a positive note, he is yet to miss a game in his four year career. However, there are still way too many games where his offensive contributions are undoubtedly missing.
Stefan Noesen: C
Noesen got off to an amazing start, looking like a premier net front scoring threat. After scoring his 16th goal on December 23rd, the magic touch had seemed to wear off. Granted that is the same time in which NJ’s play also hit the skids, Noesen finished with just 6 more goals. Despite a career high 22 tucks, Noesen’s offensive disappearance and a few head scratching plays (especially for a veteran) warrant him this grade.
Ondrej Palat: C-
Similar to a lot of Devils forwards this year, the aging Palat is often on a milk carton when it comes to offensive production. While his leadership and playoff presence is still of value, the prolonged scoring droughts make it hard to justify the power play and or top six minutes that Palat has often seen.
Nate Bastian: C-
Let’s face it, Bastian with the bubble on just hasn’t been himself. Sustaining multiple jaw injuries over the last two campaigns has seemingly slowed the at times often powerless power forward. The swarming forechecker we once knew seems to be long gone. As an unrestricted free agent this off season, I would not be surprised if the Devils look elsewhere to fill his role.
Daniel Sprong: C-
A small sample size for the well traveled Sprong didn’t show much, just two assists in 11 games with NJ. Two years ago Sprong had a career high 21 goals in just 66 games with Seattle, last year 18 goals in 76 with Detroit and this year a combined 2G, 5A in 30 total games between Vancouver, Seattle and NJ. Perhaps stability would help Sprong regain some scoring touch. I’m not sure NJ is willing to take that gamble in free agency this off season. On breakup day, Sprong did say that Sheldon Keefe was his favorite coach he ever played for. Interesting for a guy who was only here for a few months. Perhaps a bit of posturing to have Keefe request his return? We shall see…
Erik Haula: D
Highlighted by a 28 game goal drought, Haula’s offensive production just isn’t consistent enough. Despite playing solid in most other aspects of the game, the Devils cannot afford this lack of production from Haula. With one year left and a $3.15m cap hit, it would not be surprising if GM Tom Fitzgerald looks to move the Finnish forward just to open up cap space.
Curtis Lazar: D
If I didn’t like Curtis, this could easily be an F. The former 17th overall pick just hasn’t found his way in the NHL. With just five points in 48 games this season, yes, just five(2G 3A) his days in NJ are likely over. With pending UFA status and pressure on Tom Fitzgerald to find the bottom six production that was sorely lacking this past year, it’s unlikely Lazar returns.
Tomas Tatar: D
Just another minimal contributor on the bottom six. Tatar is very unlikely to return, not only to the Devils, but NHL as well. Rumors are already circulating that he will play overseas next season.
Justin Dowling: D
The 34 year old center man played just 100 NHL games in seven seasons coming into this year. A testament to this thin bottom six, Dowling played 52 for NJ in 24’-25’. His seven points (2G 5A) brought his career total to 17. Nothing against Dowling, but he is not an NHL player. Men lie, women lie, numbers don’t.
Kurtis MacDermid: D
The knee jerk reaction to the seven foot circus clown in Madison Square Garden has not paid dividends for NJ. With only one fight against the biggest joke in hockey, NJ is now stuck with a weapon that is no longer needed. With the punching bag that wears 73, now scared to fight it’s unlikely MacDermid sees the lineup much going forward, despite two more years at $1.15m left on his deal.
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