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New York Islanders Metro Preview: New Jersey Devils Make Big Splash

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Jared Coreau #50 of the New York Islanders makes the third period save on Fabian Zetterlund #59 of the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on September 21, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Islanders 4-3. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Jared Coreau #50 of the New York Islanders makes the third period save on Fabian Zetterlund #59 of the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on September 21, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Islanders 4-3. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – JUNE 21: Jack Hughes smiles after being selected first overall by the New Jersey Devils during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 21, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – JUNE 21: Jack Hughes smiles after being selected first overall by the New Jersey Devils during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 21, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Offseason Moves

Additions

Jack Hughes (C) – 1st Overall Draft Pick

The younger Hughes brother was easily the number one pick in the draft. The center put up 112 points in 50 games with the U20 US National Development program in his draft year. Hughes should be that number one center that every NHL team needs to succeed.

He hasn’t played a single competitive game in the NHL yet, but the hopes are high for the 18-year-old.

PK Subban (D)

The Devils didn’t have that number one blueliner. That one guy who could go out there and play 25 minutes a night in any situation and hold his own. With P.K. Subban, the Devils got that.

In order to get the former Norris Trophy winner, the Devils sent two players and two second-round picks to Nashville. It’s a lot to lose, and the Devils take a huge cap hit back. But it’s worth it if Subban can be that Norris caliber D-man again.

Nikita Gusev (LW)

The talented Russian winger couldn’t get anything worked out with the Vegas Golden Knights who were up to the cap ceiling. The Devils sent the Golden Knights a third and second for this rights and locked him up to a contract.

With Gusev, the Devils round out their top six along with Hischier, Hughes, Hall, Kyle Palmieri, and the next man on the list of additions.

Can Gusev play in the NHL? With a two-year $9 million deal, the Devils seem to this so.

Wayne Simmonds (RW)

Picked up in free agency on a single year deal, Wayne Simmonds has something to prove this year. After a relatively poor 2018-19 season, the power forward is out to prove that he can still be that 30 goal threat again.

That chip on his shoulders should prove helpful for the a…comabtive Devils team that was missing a true net-front presence last season.

Subtractions

No one? Sure, the Devils lost Steven Santini in the P.K. Subban trade. They also lost Kenny Agostino and Eric Tangradi in free agency, but the last two combined for 33 games last season. I don’t think they’ll miss them much.

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