The New Jersey Devils took a massive step forward in their process of establishing themselves as perennial Stanley Cup contenders, boasting the largest 82-game turnaround in NHL history last season and winning their first playoff series since 2012. General Manager Tom Fitzgerald has since added a 34-goal scorer in Tyler Toffoli and veteran defensive depth in Colin Miller.
Respect for this young Devils team has been spreading rapidly across the hockey world, as major media outlets are beginning to discuss New Jersey as an early frontrunner to hoist the Stanley Cup in 2024. Most notably, ESPN’s ‘Way-Too-Early Power Rankings’ positioned the Devils right behind the reigning champion Vegas Golden Knights as the second-best team in the NHL going into next season.