New Jersey Devils Player Projection: Arseny Gritsyuk for 2026-27
The New Jersey Devils face significant pressure entering the 2026-27 season. Despite a strong initial performance, the team missed the postseason last year and is determined to avoid a repeat. Every player's contribution is vital, and we're projecting individual performances as the season approaches. Here’s a look at Arseny Gritsyuk.
2025-26 Performance
Gritsyuk made his NHL debut in the 2025-26 season, playing 66 games and recording 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists). His season ended prematurely in March due to an upper-body injury requiring surgery.
He first stepped onto the ice for the Devils on October 9, 2025, logging 9:52 of ice time across 16 shifts. In the next game, on October 11, he contributed two assists to secure the Devils' first win against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
His first NHL goal, a power-play score assisted by Timo Meier, came on October 22.
Gritsyuk experienced two three-game point streaks. The first ran from November 12 to November 18, involving an assist, a goal, and another assist. The second, from March 3 to March 7, included two goals and two assists.
He also recorded six multi-point games, showcasing his scoring capability.
Due to numerous injuries on the Devils roster last season, Gritsyuk frequently shifted between the top and bottom six lines. This flexibility allowed him to play with various teammates and gain diverse experiences.
Expectations for 2026-27
For the 2026-27 season, Gritsyuk is expected to continue as a consistent presence in the Devils’ bottom six. The team bolstered its forward group this offseason by acquiring Anthony Mantha, Evan Rodrigues, Jesper Boqvist, and Luke Evangelista.
Given the addition of experienced veterans like Mantha and Evangelista, they are likely to fill top-six roles. This positions Gritsyuk in the bottom six, which offers an opportunity for him to develop his game and refine his skills.
Upcoming Milestones
With 66 NHL games played, Gritsyuk is 34 games away from his 100th NHL appearance. Reaching this milestone, which he should achieve before the end of the calendar year if he remains healthy, will be a significant accomplishment.
As his debut season, Gritsyuk is not close to major point milestones. With 13 goals and 18 assists, reaching 100 in either category seems unlikely. However, a strong breakout season could potentially see him reach 100 career points, requiring him to more than double his production from his first year. His recovery and training this offseason will be key to determining his potential output.
Projections for the 2026-27 Season
My projection for Gritsyuk in 2026-27 is that he will exceed 40 points. Had he not been sidelined by his late-season injury, he would have been close to 35 points.
Gritsyuk has the potential for a significant breakout in his sophomore NHL campaign. This could demonstrate his value to the Devils, reinforcing their decision to sign him to a three-year contract extension that begins this season.
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