NHL Network Snubs Devils Jesper Bratt in Top-Winger Rankings

Alright, alright. Listen, it’s the middle of August and there’s not a whole lot to talk about. It’s that time of the year where journalists and experts begin to analyze top teams, top players, and break downs at each position. The NHL Network — who is filled with experts of the game and even former players — are currently ranking the top 20 players in each position. When it comes to the top wingers of the game, they left out one glaring omission, courtesy of the New Jersey Devils.

Sit at any sports bar or friends house with a game on the television and at some point, there’s bound to be a debate discussing which players are better than others. Thinking of the top wingers in the NHL today, of course names such as David Pastrnak, Matthew Tkachuk, and Nikita Kucherov come to mind right away.

However, in a secluded study that analyzes just last season, leaving Jesper Bratt off the list of top-20 wingers is a notable oversight.

Introducing the Top 20 Wings Right Now!

What are your thoughts on our list?@NHL | #NHLTopPlayers pic.twitter.com/8HIrTkNSPp

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) August 14, 2024

Look there are a lot of great players in the game today. That’s part of the reason why expansion works in today’s day-and-age. The pool of talent continues to grow year after year and there are just more quality players in the NHL than ever before.

However, that doesn’t take away from the fact that there are a handful of players you could argue Bratt should leap on this list of top-20 wingers in the NHL today.

For instance, Philadlephia Flyers forward Travis Konecny had a good season for a team who exceeded expectations last year. He scored 33 goals and 68 points in 76 games. Alexander Ovechkin netted 31 goals and 65 points in 79 games. And Brad Marchand? 29 goals and 67 points in 82 games.

Taking it a step further, Ovechkin’s 2023-24 started really slow. Before January 1st, the Washington Capitals captain had only accrued seven goals and 21 points in 34 games. Sure, he had an excellent second half.

However, Bratt scored above a point-per-game pace last season, scoring 27 goals and 83 points in 82 games in a lineup that was extremely inconsistent due to injuries. He added 27 power play points and was one of the silver linings of an otherwise disappointing Devils season.

Don’t get the wrong idea. Alexander Ovechkin is the greatest goalscorer of all time. Brad Marchand is a future Hall of Famer. But, in a secluded study just analyzing last season, Bratt certainly belongs in the top-20 above a handful of the players listed. Especially since there are six individuals who didn’t even reach a point-per-game.

Perhaps, the Devils forward will get the deserved recognition this time next year.

For more Devils news, visit New Jersey Hockey Now and like our Facebook page.

Follow us on 𝕏:

@NJDHockeyNow, @JamesNicholsNHL, @NickNatale10

And on Threads:

@JamesNicholsNHL