NHL 19: New Jersey Devils Player Ratings, Roster & Top Prospects

(Image Source: EA Sports)

With Taylor Hall scoring 93 points in 76 games while surrounded by a developing team, leading them to the playoffs by a single point over the Florida Panthers, there were high hopes for the ever-improving New Jersey Devils coming into 2018/19. Stacked with young talent and stalwart veterans, the Devils are a great team to grow into a playoff contender in NHL 19.

Taylor Hall, Left Wing, 90 OVR

Age: 26Role: SniperHeight: 185cmWeight: 93kgShoots: LeftBest Stats: 95 Speed. 94 Acceleration. 93 Puck Control, Wrist Shot Accuracy

Taylor Hall is a world-class scoring machine and has left Edmonton Oilers fans wondering what could have been if the team didn’t trade him away and had him playing alongside Connor McDavid. Still only 26-years-old, Hall is one of the best snipers in the game for puck skills and shooting attributes, with speed that’s second only to McDavid. Injuries have hampered his play this season, but with 11 goals and 37 points in 33 games, he’s set to eclipse an average of a point-per-game anyway. 

Will Butcher, Defenseman, 84 OVR

Age: 23Role: Two-WayHeight: 178cmWeight: 86kgShoots: LeftBest Stats: 90 Discipline. 89 Passing, Puck Control 

In a defensive corps of mostly young blueliners, Will Butcher has stepped up to become a reliable source of points, scoring 44 last season, and having the ability to minute munch. He only has 14 points in 43 games this season with the whole team slumping and being 12 points off of the playoff race, but Butcher has a bright future with the Devils. In NHL 19, his puck skills, skating, and shooting make him a good offensive weapon.

Cory Schneider, Goaltender, 88 OVR

Age: 32Role: HybridHeight: 191cmWeight: 91kgShoots: LeftBest Stats: 92 Angles, Vision. 91 Stick Low

Cory Schneider posted incredible numbers from the 2013/14 season through to the end of the 2015/16 season, but since then, he’s been on the decline until ultimately being replaced by Keith Kinkaid at the end of 2017/18. Injuries have had their say over the last year, and Schneider returned from offseason hip surgery to deliver a 0-5-1 record with a 4.66goals against average and .852 save percentage. He’s back on the injured-reserve now, with Kinkaid continuing as the team’s starter with 13 wins, a 3.07 goals against average, and a .899 save percentage through 30 starts. At least in NHL 19, the Devils have a very highly-rated Schneider to keep in net.

NHL 19 New Jersey Devils Roster

From the Day 1, September 13 update, this is how the New Jersey Devils’ first lines start. Nico Hischier and Taylor Hall highlight the top line with their speed and skill, with the play certainly being funneled through the dynamic duo. For now, it’s a process of waiting for their many young players to develop into stars.

Taylor Hall (90) – Nico Hischier (84) – Jesper Bratt (81)Andy Greene (78) – Sami Vatanen (82)Cory Schneider (88)

John Quenneville, Left Wing, 73 OVR

Age: 22Role: Two-WayHeight: 185cmWeight: 93kgShoots: LeftPotential: Top 9 med

The New Jersey Devils are teeming with young talented forwards, and with the likes of Taylor Hall, Marcus Johansson, Jesper Bratt, Pavel Zacha, and Miles Wood all offering a different style on the left wing – the oldest of which is Johansson at 27-years-old – there doesn’t appear to be a place in the lines for John Quenneville. But, with youth on his side and decent potential, he could serve as a viable scratch in a season or two, ready to step in when injuries occur, or a decent trade piece. 

New Jersey has an exciting young team already, but there are more great prospects set to join the Devils’ ranks in the coming seasons. Although fairly diminutive, Ty Smith looks to become a real weapon on the blueline, while Jesper Boqvist and Michael McLeod could become strong two-way centers to offer more defensive support to the forward lines. Also, if made the de facto starter in the AHL and then given opportunities in the NHL over the next few seasons, MacKenzie Blackwood can become a viable starter.

NHL 19 New Jersey Devils Top Prospects