NHL Power Rankings: Metropolitan Division – October Edition

Sep 20, 2015; Providence,RI, USA; New Jersey Devils right wing

(21) shoots the puck against the Boston Bruins during the first period at the Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

8. New Jersey Devils

The Devils will have a hard time climbing out of the basement of the Metro this season. They’re in a state of rebuilding with a new management and coaching regime in place and have based most of their offseason around gathering youth. Also they’ve added assets that will likely fetch them valuable draft picks prior to the 2016 trade deadline.

There are a few bright spots in New Jersey. Cory Schneider was superb last season and finished among the league’s best goaltenders despite playing for a team that allowed the seventh most shots-against per game in the league. While Schneider has found himself in a less-than-desirable situation considering his age and how long their rebuild will take, he should continue to shine and at least steal some extra points throughout the season that the Devils wouldn’t earn otherwise.

Every team reaches points in which a rebuild is necessary. It’ll be interesting to watch Ray Shero and Company put their stamp on this organization and though they may be on the right path, they’re far from ready to compete in 2015-16.

Next: Carolina Hurricanes