In an interview with the Hockey News’ Michael Traikos, New Jersey Devils’ star Jack Hughes was quick to shut down any comparisons between the Devils and Toronto Maple Leafs’ cores.
Apr 11, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New Jersey Devils forward Jesper Bratt (63) celebrates with team mates after scoring a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Traikos had the chance to interview Hughes at the NHL players media tour back in early September and asked him if he saw any comparisons between the two clubs.
“Are there comparisons between, like, your forward crew, because you guys have a lot of high-powered, skilled guys?”
Hughes was quick to shut it down.
“Yeah, I don’t. I don’t think you can compare the two. I mean, they kind of have a team that’s been in the playoffs eight years in a row, whatever it’s been, and they got a 70-goal scorer. So, you know, I think we both have really good forwards, but our forwards might be a little more different than theirs.”
Related: Devils’ Paul Cotter Making Early Impact on Coaching Staff, Teammates & Fans
Is Hughes right?
Well, yes is the short answer. The Maple Leafs and Devils forward groups are similar in terms of skill; they are quite different.
The Maple Leafs’ big three forwards, Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander, have more experience. They have been a dominant regular-season team, which has seen those three forwards rack up the points. Hughes pointed it out regarding Matthews; he is a 70-goal scorer; the Devils don’t have that yet.
Now, the Devils aren’t that far off. Last season was a down year, but they will be a playoff team for the bulk of Hughes, Hischier, and Bratt’s time. They may not have a 70-goal scorer, but they have numerous players that can easily score 40-50 goals, like Hughes himself.
Oct 13, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils left wing Jesper Bratt (63) celebrates his goal with center Jack Hughes (86) against the Arizona Coyotes during the second period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
They also have a deeper team with more depth scoring than the Maple Leafs do. They have Dawson Mercer, Timo Meier, and Ondrej Palat all as support players to round out the top six for New Jersey. The Maple Leafs don’t have that because of the way they structured their internal cap.
So, no, the Maple Leafs and Devils’ core forwards can’t be compared. It is clear that Toronto’s big three have the upper hand. However, as an all-around team, New Jersey would likely be considered better.
The real question is, who is more likely to win the Stanley Cup first?