New Jersey Devils fantasy projections for 2023-24

As part of NHL.com's 32 in 32 series, the fantasy hockey staff has projections for relevant players on the New Jersey Devils. Players are listed in order of fantasy rank for this season. 

Jack Hughes, C/LW

NHL.com fantasy rank: 9

Reason for optimism:Hughes experienced a full breakout last season, his 99 points in 78 games tied for 12th in the NHL while ranking eighth in goals (43), fifth in shots on goal (336) and tied for sixth in even-strength points (68). He cemented himself as an elite fantasy option that should be viewed as a top 10 overall player and a top three center in drafts.

NHL.com point projection: 111

Dougie Hamilton, D

NHL.com fantasy rank: 40

Reason for optimism:Hamilton ranked fourth among NHL defensemen in points last season (74 in 82 games), second in goals (22) and led the position in shots on goal (275). He has high fantasy upside on a deep New Jersey team at even strength and with a spot on a stacked top power-play unit with Hughes, Hischier, Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier.

NHL.com point projection: 80

Nico Hischier, C

NHL.com fantasy rank: 49

Reason for optimism: Hischier is coming off NHL career highs in points (80 in 81 games; tied for 29th in the NHL), goals (31), assists (49) and shots on goal (256). He has an even greater ceiling this season as part of a solid top-six forward group and by having exposure to Meier on the top line for an entire season.

NHL.com point projection: 85

Timo Meier, LW/RW

NHL.com fantasy rank: 64

Reason for optimism: Meier had 14 points (nine goals, five assists) and 72 shots on goal in 21 regular season games for the Devils after being acquired in a trade with the San Jose Sharks on Feb. 26. He had 52 points (31 goals, 21 assists) in 57 games for the Sharks, has consistent shot volume throughout his NHL career and ranks fifth in the League in that category (653 in 155 games) his past two seasons combined. Meier has a chance to reach a new level of production in his first full season on an offensively dominant New Jersey team.

NHL.com point projection: 79

Jesper Bratt, RW

NHL.com fantasy rank: 69

Reason for optimism: Bratt had NHL career highs in goals (32) and shots on goal (212) in 82 games last season. He reached 73 points for his second consecutive season and is a fixture in the top six. Bratt has high upside with exposure to elite center Hughes and possibly wing Tyler Toffoli on their second line.

NHL.com point projection: 75

Other NJD players to consider in fantasy: Tyler Toffoli, LW/RW; Vitek Vanecek, G; Dawson Mercer, C/RW; Luke Hughes, D; Akira Schmid, G