Devils Organizational Depth Chart – August Edition

It’s difficult to say that this summer for the New Jersey Devils could have gone much better. Sure, they could have perhaps been more diligent in acquiring a top-six forward. But, it’s difficult to complain when general manager Tom Fitzgerald succeeded in making so many positive additions.

We’re now at the end of August and the Devils have checked off all but one of their remaining boxes on their to-do list.

Regardless, there’s little doubt that Dawson Mercer will put pen to paper and be on the ice for training camp.

Assuming that is the case, and looking at the overall picture that made over the Devils this summer, what does their depth chart look like heading into training camp?

Forwards

Although Mercer has an asterisk next to his name due to his unsigned nature, Fitzgerald named the soon 23-year-old who will get a chance to make up for the goals left on the table by Tyler Toffoli. Fitzgerald’s only miss this summer was losing out on both Jonathan Marchessault and Steven Stamkos. His pivot was to ink Tomas Tatar, who isn’t nearly as impactful in the goal column. Therefore, it shouldn’t surprise anyone to see Mercer start off in the top-six once he’s under contract.

The Devils’ starting 12 forwards should be fairly obvious. It’s what comes after that which is up in the air. Kurtis MacDermid will almost certainly act as the 13th forward. No reason to believe he’ll skate in 82 games. Then guys like Max Willman and Brian Halonen — who have some of the most experience and have played NHL games, should be up next. In fact, Halonen could even compete with Nathan Bastian for a spot on the main roster, although he’d have to be considerably better than Bastian as he’s on a two-way contract.

Speaking of two-way contract, Nolan Foote would likely be an early call-up candidate, but he’s a player who might not slip through the cracks on the waiver wire as he’s no longer exempt.

As you make your way down the depth chart, it’s really about professional hockey experience. Rookies such as Chase Stillman or Dylan Wendt won’t jump guys like Ryan Schmelzer or Shane Bowers who have proven to be decent patch guys in a pinch. That is, unless they’re absolutely lighting it up in the American Hockey League.

Defense

There will be stiff competition on the blue line throughout training camp in just a few short weeks. The Devils’ top-six on the blueline will look exactly as it does above. Perhaps head coach Sheldon Keefe mixes and matches, but the personnel you see will be the personnel you get.

It’s also quite likely the Devils carry two extra blue liners. Nick DeSimone likely as the seventh on a new one-way contract, and Johnathan Kovacevic as the eighth man on a two way deal. Depending on whether DeSimone or Kovacevic play on a given night should be contingent on the style of play Keefe is looking to insert into the lineup.

Beyond the eight defenseman who are likely on the NHL roster on opening night, we know Santeri Hatakka is adamant about becoming a full-time NHLer this season. He is certainly the Devils’ next-best left-shot defenseman after the three mainstays in Jonas Siegenthaler, Luke Hughes, and Brenden Dillon. He’ll look to steal a job from Kovacevic, or perhaps DeSimone.

There is certainly the Seamus Casey factor as well. The 20-year-old defenseman is willing to put in his time acclimating to the professional game in the AHL, however, his skill is undeniable. He’ll start lower on the depth chart, but it’s not unreasonable to see himself work his way up.

Goaltenders

This is fairly straight forward. Jacob Markstrom is the Devils No.1 goaltender for the 2024-25 season. Jake Allen will back him up and Nico Daws will serve as the third string.

Isaac Poulter seems to have a slight edge on Tyler Brennan right now. He’s seemingly proved himself at the AHL and ECHL levels that, if things go really wrong in the Devils’ crease, Poulter is the fourth man up should the Devils need to reach down the farm that far.

Certainly, they’re hoping health persists in 2024-25.