New Jersey Devils fantasy preview for 2020-21

As part of NHL.com's 31 in 31 series, the fantasy hockey staff identifies relevant players from the New Jersey Devils. For more fantasy coverage, visit NHL.com/Fantasy and subscribe for free to the NHL Fantasy on Ice podcast .

Devils 31 IN 31: [Season preview | 3 Questions | Top prospects | Behind the Numbers]
Nikita Gusev, LW/RW-- Gusev led the Devils in assists (31) last season, his first in the NHL, and was second in points (44) and power-play points (15), behind right wing Kyle Palmieri (45 points, 18 power-play points). He was second in shots on goal (158), behind forward Blake Coleman (182). Gusev is worth a fantasy investment in the late rounds of a standard 12-team draft, especially given his success last season playing a second- or third-line role for most of the season. Gusev led the Devils with 30 points (eight goals, 22 assists) in the 37 games after New Jersey traded left wing Taylor Hall to the Arizona Coyotes on Dec. 16, indicating he could have a higher gear in a prime role for a full season.
Kyle Palmieri, RW-- Palmieri led the Devils in goals (25), points and power-play points last season. He has been a staple on the top line and the first power-play unit since joining New Jersey in 2015-16 and ranks 32nd in the NHL in goals (132), tied for eighth in power-play goals (52) and tied for 36th in power-play points (101) during that span. Palmieri set NHL career bests with 30 goals and 57 points in 2015-16; he could challenge those totals if center Nico Hischier bounces back and forward Jack Hughes rebounds from a disappointing rookie season.

Mackenzie Blackwood, G -- Blackwood had a strong rookie season, going 22-14-8 with a .915 save percentage and three shutouts in 47 games. He led NHL rookie goalies in games and wins, and was second in save percentage (minimum 15 games) and shutouts (three), behind Elvis Merzlikins of the Columbus Blue Jackets (.923 save percentage; five shutouts). Blackwood will be the Devils starter in the difficult MassMutual East Division but should still be a viable third or fourth fantasy goalie option.
Nico Hischier, C-- Hischier missed 11 games last season, and his average of 0.62 points per game (47 points in 58 games) was a slight dip from the 0.66 points per game he averaged in his first two NHL seasons (99 points in 151 games). Hischier, who plays on the top line with Palmieri, was Hall's linemate when the left wing won the Hart Trophy as the most valuable player in the NHL in 2017-18. Hischier has plenty of room for improvement if he increases his volume of 2.2 shots on goal per game during his three NHL seasons, because he has a shooting percentage of 11.0 percent. UPDATE: Hischier (leg) is out for the start of training camp.
Jack Hughes, C/LW -- Hughes was drafted just outside the top 100 for his rookie season but fell short of fantasy expectations with 21 points (seven goals, 14 assists) and a minus-26 rating in 61 games. He switched from center to wing last season but has fantasy appeal as a deep sleeper with a chance to play on the first power-play unit with Hischier and bring even-strength exposure to either Palmieri or Gusev.
Other players to consider in late rounds or off waiver wire:Sami Vatanen, D; Damon Severson, D; Andreas Johnsson, LW/RW; Jesper Boqvist, LW; Ty Smith, D
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