The 2024-25 NHL season begins on October 4th at the O2 Arena in Prague, Czechia. The North America slate starts on October 8th with a triple header on ESPN. Below is my 2024-25 NHL Eastern Conference Spotlight Team.


Jeff (JH-Sportsline) is an 8-time NHL handicapping champion at The Sports Monitor of OK and is considered one of the best NHL handicappers in the nation. His track record speaks for itself. NHL 271-182-5 (60% for +$21,203) Last 458. Jeff had another profitable NHL campaign in 2023. Don't miss out on this Early Bird offer for only $499 for the entire season. The regular price is $699, which goes into effect on October 5th. Quality over Quantity. 100% Profit Guaranteed!


New Jersey Devils | 2023-24 record: 38-39-5, 81 points


New Jersey Devils 2024-25 Season Point total 99.5 (Over -125)


The New Jersey Devils had a disappointing 2023-24 season. After an impressive 112-point season and a second-round playoff appearance in 2022-23, expectations were high for the team. However, they regressed and missed the playoffs. Sheldon Keefe has been named the new head coach, and I am thrilled about this decision. He had a successful tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs, achieving a 212-97-40 record and making the playoffs in all five seasons. His fast-paced coaching style should suit the team well, especially considering their speed. While Keefe can sometimes be demanding, he is known as a head coach who relates well with his players.


The team traded for goaltender Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames. In return, the Devils sent defenseman Kevin Bahl and a 2025 first-round pick. A former Vezina Trophy finalist, Markstrom will help address the team's goaltending needs. Last season, the Devils ranked 27th in goals against average (3.43). Markstrom's career goals against average (GAA) of 2.72 should provide a significant upgrade and help the team win more games, especially with a potent offense in front of him. The Devils had a +59 shot differential with a -17 goal differential last season, a decline from their +506 shot differential and +67 goal differential in 2022. New Jersey has the personnel and coaching to have a major bounce-back season. They have a favorable schedule with nine back-to-back games in North America. By comparison, the Maple Leafs and Hurricanes will play 16 back-to-back tilts, representing about 10% of the season.


The Devils have one of the NHL's youngest and most talented core groups. Players like Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, and Dawson Mercer are all in their early-to-mid 20s and have the potential for further development. Another year of growth and time to build chemistry should greatly benefit this group. Young defensemen Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec will continue strengthening the Devils' blue line. The team also added Brett Pesce and Tomas Tatar, providing depth to the defense and forward positions. Despite dealing with injuries over the past two seasons, Tomas Tatar has scored over 200 goals and 200 assists in his 15-year career. Brett Pesce has an impressive plus/minus of +92 during his nine years with Carolina.


Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton missed numerous games last season due to injuries. Hughes had shoulder problems but continued to play before eventually undergoing surgery. A completely healthy Hughes is expected to perform at a top MVP level. Hamilton's absence from the defense and power play had a significant dual impact. His offensive contributions from the defensive position are crucial to New Jersey's plan of attack.


Last season was a setback for the Devils, but they still have the necessary pieces to compete at a high level. If they can stay healthier and get more consistent goaltending, they should be able to make a return to the playoffs. New Jersey has the talent to be a force in the Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference once again. I will be a gigantic Devils fan this season; I love this team.


Jeff’s Selection: New Jersey Devils Over 99.5 points (-125) | Mybookie.ag


Jeff’s Prediction: 52-22-8 | 112 points | 3rd seed in the East


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