The Devils are one team that will look almost the exact same as last season, nice place to start. With several players on the team setting new career marks last year, New Jersey’s offense will continue to grow. Tallying 106 points last year the Devils were dominant with and without Martin Brodeur in the lineup. If there’s one thing that fantasy owners should not expect to see in New Jersey its prospects starting games. This team is full of veterans looking to win a Stanley Cup and it’s unlikely to see any new faces in New Jersey.
Zach Parise got his name near the top of many fantasy lists after last season’s 94 point performance. After getting very comfortable with each other near the end of last season, expect to see Travis Zajac and Jamie Langenbrunner both get time with Parise this year. However, the three may not form a line as Jacques Lemaire has already hinted that he wants more balance to the Devils scoring attack. With more balance in mind it may be worth taking a more serious look at Patrik Elias who is already a point per game threat.
On defense the Devils have a young, but veteran staff. With balanced scoring throughout the team on offense there are only two players that may make an impact on the scoresheet from the blueline. Paul Martin has been very consistent for New Jersey and will likely put up around 40 points again this season. The second possible defenseman to look at is John Oduya. Oduya is not going to put up great numbers, but if you need a 35 point defenseman that will have a plus minus of +20, he’s worth looking at.
There’s no need to overcomplicate the situation in net. If Martin Brodeur is healthy he will start, probably all but 5 or 6 games. He will also likely win 40+ games and record 5 or more shutouts. Brodeur has nobody chasing him in the rearview and he won’t be seeing anyone there for awhile.
Sleepers: As previously mentioned, the Devils won’t have many (if any) new faces cracking the starting lineup. There are two prospects to take note of however. Both Matt Halischuk and Patrice Cormier look to be good fits in the New Jersey system. Cormier is likely still a year away from starting, while Halischuk may see some ice time in the case of an injury this year.
Niklas Bergfors - Bergfors was once a very highly touted Devils prospect who may get his chance with the big club this season. Still, with the depth in New Jersey it's tough to imagine him getting a ton of ice-time.
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