“The top of this list was very tough, but it’s hard to pick anyone but the Devils for the No. 1 spot. There’s no better young group than what the Devils have to offer.
It all starts on the top line with Jack Hughes leading the way. Hughes has developed into one of the top centers across the league, and he’s just 22 years old.
The Devils star is coming off of a career-best 99-point season (43 goals and 56 assists), and he already has 20 points (five goals and 15 assists) in 2023-24 despite currently being on the shelf with an upper-body injury.
It’s really the top six forwards that catapulted New Jersey to the top of the list. This is a team in which three of its top six forwards are 25 or younger.
Nico Hischier has enjoyed a few sensational seasons to establish himself as a phenomenal center.
On most teams that don’t have a Hughes, Hischier is centering the top line. The team also possesses a sensational winger in the form of Jesper Bratt.
Bratt is coming off of back-to-back 70-point seasons and is currently second on the team in points (19).
Oh yeah, and the back end isn’t half bad either for this team.
While Dougie Hamilton paces the Devils’ blue-liners, the future is extremely bright with Luke Hughes starting to pay dividends.
Hughes skated with the Devils down the stretch last season, but he has really started to show his talent early in the 2023-24 season with seven points (one goals and six assists).
The Devils could have four potential stars on their roster if Luke Hughes continues to develop, making them clearly worthy of the top spot.”
Written by Chris Bengel, published November 13, 2023.
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**1. New Jersey Devils**
“The top of this list was very tough, but it’s hard to pick anyone but the Devils for the No. 1 spot.
There’s no better young group than what the Devils have to offer.
It all starts on the top line with Jack Hughes leading the way. Hughes has developed into one of the top centers across the league, and he’s just 22 years old.
The Devils star is coming off of a career-best 99-point season (43 goals and 56 assists), and he already has 20 points (five goals and 15 assists) in 2023-24 despite currently being on the shelf with an upper-body injury.
It’s really the top six forwards that catapulted New Jersey to the top of the list. This is a team in which three of its top six forwards are 25 or younger.
Nico Hischier has enjoyed a few sensational seasons to establish himself as a phenomenal center.
On most teams that don’t have a Hughes, Hischier is centering the top line. The team also possesses a sensational winger in the form of Jesper Bratt.
Bratt is coming off of back-to-back 70-point seasons and is currently second on the team in points (19).
Oh yeah, and the back end isn’t half bad either for this team.
While Dougie Hamilton paces the Devils’ blue-liners, the future is extremely bright with Luke Hughes starting to pay dividends.
Hughes skated with the Devils down the stretch last season, but he has really started to show his talent early in the 2023-24 season with seven points (one goals and six assists).
The Devils could have four potential stars on their roster if Luke Hughes continues to develop, making them clearly worthy of the top spot.”
Written by Chris Bengel, published November 13, 2023.
If they are alive they are definitely worthy!