The New Jersey Devils have struggled since the 2004-05 lockout, a fluky trip to the 2012 Stanley Cup finals notwithstanding. The team has not drafted well, especially in terms of offensive talent. The roster is aging, and the Devils have missed the playoffs four of the five past seasons. New ownership overhauled the front office, and new general manager Ray Shero is taking the long view on rebuilding. It's a job that appears to be trending uphill, at least in the short term.
BEST NEW FACES
Let's start with Shero, architect of the powerhouse Pittsburgh Penguins teams that went to the Stanley Cup finals in 2008 and 2009, and new head coach John Hynes, who comes with a strong pedigree out of the American Hockey League. Local boy Kyle Palmieri will get a chance to play top-six minutes after coming over from the Anaheim Ducks. Defenseman John Moore is a dependable addition to a young blue line, as is David Schlemko. Jiri Tlusty, a late offseason addition, has 20-goal potential. Tyler Kennedy and Lee Stempniak were both in training camp for tryouts.
BIGGEST UNKNOWNS
Who will score? The Devils were 28th in goals per game (2.15) last season, a half-goal short of middle of the pack. Can sixth-overall draft pick Pavel Zacha make the team out of camp as an 18-year-old? Can former Calder Trophy finalist Adam Henrique become an offensive leader again coming off wrist surgery? Is Adam Larsson, who has a new six-year contract, ready to take more steps toward becoming a top-two defender? And is this the last hurrah for Patrik Elias, who is 39 and dealt with a nagging knee injury early in camp?
Hynes will be a good fit with the retooling Devils, but what will his transition to his first NHL gig be like? Goalie Cory Schneider knew Hynes from Schneider's days as a U-18 netminder and is impressed with Hynes' game plan. "He's the youngest coach in the league and we're going to have a lot of young players, especially on the back end, so I think that'll work end in terms of communication and trying to get his message through to them," Schneider said.
SURE THINGS
There is nothing more certain in New Jersey than the presence of Schneider, who was fifth in ice time last season among goalies. He started the first 20 games of the season, and it will be interesting to see how Hynes uses Schneider, who turned in a .925 save percentage and 2.26 GAA in spite of the Devils' overall poor play.
"You know what, it's funny," Schneider said recently. "There could be stretches in there where you do feel some fatigue. I know a lot was made when I started the first 20 games of the year. That was probably the most tired I felt all year was that first 20 games." But the more he played, the better he felt. "Honestly, after that I almost felt better, I felt like my endurance was better." Look for Schneider to once again be among the busiest, and steadiest, goalies.
WORLD CUP CANDIDATES
Let's start with Schneider, who should be among the three goalies named to Team USA. Elias and Zacha will likely get looks for a thin Czech team. Larsson will have a shot, although the Swedes are deep, deep, deep on the blue line. Tuomo Ruutu (Finland), Tlusty (Czech Republic) and Andy Greene (USA) could play their way into consideration as well.
PENDING FREE AGENTS
Not surprising given there's a new GM in town, but there is the potential for significant turnover as the season moves along and into next summer. That's especially true up front, where at least five forwards are entering the final years of their deals, including Elias, Ruutu, Tlusty, Jordin Tootoo and Stephen Gionta. On the restricted free agent front, Palmieri and Jacob Josefson are both up next summer, along with young defenseman Jon Merrill.
PREDICTION
Hard to imagine -- save otherworldly performances every night by Schneider -- that the Devils crack the top eight in the Eastern Conference. Seventh in the Metropolitan Division.