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New Jersey Devils: Three things to expect in 2018-2019 season

By John Carroll Jr.

NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 31: Andy Greene #6 of the New Jersey Devils congratulates Keith Kinkaid #1 after the 4-3 win over the New York Islanders on March 31, 2018 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 31: Andy Greene #6 of the New Jersey Devils congratulates Keith Kinkaid #1 after the 4-3 win over the New York Islanders on March 31, 2018 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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NEWARK, NJ – MARCH 29: Nico Hischier #13 of the New Jersey Devils moves the puck ahead of Phil Kessel #81 of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at the Prudential Center on March 29, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ – MARCH 29: Nico Hischier #13 of the New Jersey Devils moves the puck ahead of Phil Kessel #81 of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at the Prudential Center on March 29, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Nico’s breakout

The New Jersey Devils are rightfully Taylor Hall’s team. However, the nostalgia of Nico Hischier’s rookie season is over and it is time for him to emerge.

Most people know how good Nico’s rookie season was. Considering it was his first season and him still being a teenager, it only tapped his potential.

However, he needs to emerge as the number one pick that he is. He needs to improve and continue to get better.

The Devils still need Nico to be great in order for them to be great so the outright value of Nico is there, and not to put pressure on him but he, nor his team, can afford him to have a sophomore slump or to maintain.

The Devs need even the slightest improvement from Nico and all will be fine. Expect that to happen.

There were only a few learning curves for Nico in his rookie season. His chemistry with Taylor Hall was outstanding.

But the Devils might need him to lead the second line, or take on a bigger role in the first line now that everyone else knows how dangerous Hall is.

Either way, Nico is going to need to take on a bigger role and is going to need to be no worse and maybe slightly better than he was as a rookie. Considering he was the first overall pick, that not expecting anything crazy.

So, the New Jersey Devils are coming off a playoff season where they got their first ever MVP player. But, they need to stick to their foundation in 2018-2019 and show that they are built for a long run on top.

Next. Three Things to expect from the Isles this year. dark

The Devils taught us last season to expect the unexpected. They will do some surprising things again in the upcoming campaign. But, there are still things that the Devils are likely to do.

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