The future is also bright 9 core players all 27 and under returning next season to along with some top veterans.

Offensively, Alex Turcotte finally had his breakout season with a career high 60 points. He also found his defensive game, improving from a -3 last season to a +14 this season. Turcotte was a former 11th overall pick. Along with Dylan Cozens and Connor McMichael, the Devils have three 23 year old centers to build around for years to come.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins also rediscovered his game at age 33 after 2 atrocious seasons where he scored just 19 and 35 points in the last two seasons. This year he returned to his normal stats with 17 goals and 55 points. "A lot of people thought his career was over," said the Devils GM, "But we remained committed to him and knew he just had to find the right chemistry and get his confidence back.

Another surprise was the emergence of Warren Foegele as a top 6 forward. The 26 year old was acquired last season for Ilya Samsonov and Martin Kaut, who both saw limited time and struggled in Tampa. Foegele set career highs in goals (20) and points (55). Still just 26, he'll be another key piece going forward.

The biggest improvement from previous seasons was on defense. While Noah Dobson is their star top liner, he finally got more support this season. Nikita Zadorov was brough in last year, Late bloomer Lucas Johansen set career highs in goals and points. And Danny Dekeyser was a UFA signing who had a bounce back season.

And in net, Calvid Pickard was a key waiver pick up in the offseason who gave the team a chance every night. The former cup winger brings tons of playoff experience to a team that hasn't been there. Backup Laurent Brossoit provided a solid backup option to keep the veteran goalie fresh.