"Palat has been slotted in that position more frequently than any other skater, but it's time to consider other possibilities. He wound up with just 28 points in 72 games played, despite having the chance to skate with the team's two most elite offensive producers. Looking at the advanced numbers, when Palat is on the ice, the Devils were outshot by 86 SOG, outscored 42-38, and controlled the puck less than 50% of the time with a Corsi-for percentage of 48.9%."
"Meanwhile, when Hughes and Bratt skate with any forward other than Palat, the duo put up a 56.7 CF% and produced 38 more scoring chances than the opponents. Granted, it's a smaller sample size, but the pair is significantly more effective with other players on the left wing. Meier is better suited to a second line role, and the Devils are better off running Hughes at center as opposed to shifting him to the wing to run Hischier down the middle."
Injury troubles contributed to a first-round playoff exit against the Carolina Hurricanes. GM Tom Fitzgerald and coach Sheldon Keefe must address roster and deployment issues to position the team competitively in the Metropolitan Division for 2025-26. Ondrej Palat frequently occupied the left-wing spot beside Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt but produced only 28 points in 72 games. Advanced metrics show negative on-ice results with Palat: -86 shots, outscored 42-38, and 48.9% Corsi. Hughes and Bratt logged a 56.7 CF% and 38 more scoring chances with other linemates. Timo Meier fits better as a second-line winger, and Hughes should remain at center.
Read at Puck Prose
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