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Bruce Boudreau weighs in on New Jersey Devils' prospects of winning Metro with key additions
The New Jersey Devils have been busy this offseason, making moves to address weaknesses and bolster their roster.
With key additions like goalie Jacob Markstrom, defensemen Brett Pesce, Brenden Dillon and Johnathan Kovacevic, and forwards Tomas Tatar, Stefan Noesen and Paul Cotter, the Devils look poised to be much improved this coming season.
Former NHL coach and current analyst Bruce Boudreau believes the Devils have what it takes to win the competitive Metropolitan division. In an interview with NHL Network on Thursday, Boudreau explained:
"I do believe it should be the Devils. We thought this last year, you know, like I mean, what they did is, they addressed needs and by getting Brett Pesce and Brendan Dillon and then a healthy Dougie Hamilton to go along with their offense."
Dougie Hamilton only played in 20 games last season due to injury, but now healthy and paired with the defensive additions of Pesce and Dillon, the Devils blue line looks much improved.
Boudreau also pointed to the New Jersey Devils new coach Sheldon Keefe, who has coached offensive minded teams in the past.
"Sheldon Keefe has coached an offensive team, so, I mean, the first time I remember getting the Vancouver job going in playing them. They said, ‘Hey, you got to watch the Devils, because no matter what they can score, no matter how bad defensively they are, they can score.’
"And so they can still score. Sheldon Keefe knows that, but now they’ve added defense and a goaltender."
The key additions in goal and on defense, combined with the New Jersey Devils' existing offensive firepower gives them a balanced roster built for success.
Bruce Boudreau discuss New Jersey Devils’ key opposition in the Metro Division
Bruce Boudreau believes the New York Rangers will also be strong contenders after their run to the Eastern Conference finals last season.
"I think the Rangers are a great team. And, I mean, they’re going to be great again with a healthy Chytil and LaFreniere back into that lineup. He was grooving, you know? I mean, just growing into his role." Bruce Boudreau said.
However, Bruce Boudreau believes the Devils have the edge on paper right now.
"I do believe, on paper, I’m looking at the Devils, and I’m going, man, they should be hard to beat if they’re healthy."
Boudreau sees the New Jersey Devils as poised to bring home the Metropolitan division crown this upcoming season if they can stay healthy.
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