The New Jersey Devils are facing a critical juncture in the 2025-26 season, prompting serious questions about the composition and effectiveness of their bottom-six forwards. With the team struggling to maintain consistency and a playoff spot slipping away, General Manager Tom Fitzgerald is under pressure to make impactful changes. While Fitzgerald has expressed confidence in the team's core, the lack of secondary scoring has become a glaring issue that needs immediate attention.
Throughout the season, the Devils have experimented with different combinations in their bottom-six, primarily deploying Cody Glass and Luke Glendening as centers on the third and fourth lines, respectively. While Glass has shown flashes of potential, particularly with a recent scoring surge, the fourth line's overall performance has been underwhelming. Glendening, signed in the offseason, has not lived up to expectations, leaving a void in terms of offensive contribution and consistent play.
The Devils' struggles are multi-faceted, but the inability of the bottom-six to provide consistent offense is a significant concern. The team's scoring depth has been inconsistent, with periods of offensive drought exacerbating the problem. Injuries to key players, including Jack Hughes, have further compounded the issue, forcing the Devils to rely on their depth players to step up. However, the lack of consistent production from the bottom-six has hindered the team's ability to weather these challenges.
To address this issue, the Devils need to explore several options. One potential solution is to acquire a reliable depth center who can provide offensive support and stability to the bottom-six. This would allow Glass to potentially move up in the lineup or create a more balanced distribution of skill throughout the team. Another approach is to re-evaluate the roles and responsibilities of the current players in the bottom-six. Experimenting with different line combinations and providing players with opportunities to showcase their offensive abilities could unlock untapped potential.
Beyond personnel changes, the Devils also need to focus on improving their special teams. The power play, which started the season strong, has become less effective in recent months, while the penalty kill continues to struggle. Addressing these special teams issues would not only provide a boost to the team's overall scoring but also alleviate some of the pressure on the top lines to carry the offensive load.
As the trade deadline approaches, Fitzgerald faces a critical decision. While he has expressed reluctance to shake up the team's core, the need for secondary scoring is undeniable. Making a strategic move to bolster the bottom-six could be the key to turning the Devils' season around and securing a playoff berth. The team's upcoming road trip will be a crucial test, and the performance of the bottom-six will be a key factor in determining the Devils' success.
