Where Does Stefan Noesen Fit in the Devils’ Lineup Upon Return From Injury?

The New Jersey Devils have set their roster. Then, they reset it after assigning two prospects to the American Hockey League on Tuesday, and in a corresponding move, signing Luke Glendening to a one-year contract. So, you could say the roster is set, again. However, the Devils haven’t had Stefan Noesen officially in the mix thus far. Where does he fit in the lineup when he returns from injury?

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Noesen opted for late off-season groin surgery after attempting to rehab the nagging injury didn’t show the progress the 32-year-old was hoping for.

Thus, he’s skated on his own, and has filled in as an extra for a few groups in training camp. Yet, head coach Sheldon Keefe explained he’s not close to playing games yet.

Noesen is beginning the season on the injured reserve/non-roster list, and will not be available on Thursday for opening night when the Devils face the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh.

However, he’s not expected to be a long-term absence. Thus, he’ll need a spot in the lineup when he finally returns.

Keefe and Co. do have a challenge ahead of them, however. The Devils brought in several wingers this summer, including Evgenii Dadonov, Connor Brown, and rookie Arseny Gritsyuk. Even without Noesen, the lineup is already looking quite full.

So, where is Noesen’s fit?

Second-Line Duties

Noesen’s natural fit in 2024-25 was on the right side of Nico Hischier, although he did spend some down lower in the middle-six. He got off to a scorching start to the season, scoring 16 goals and 27 points in the first 40 games through December.

However, once the New Year kicked in, Noesen’s scoring totals took a considerable dive.

From January 1st, through the end of the season, Noesen potted just six goals and 14 points in the remaining 38 games.

So, what happened? Well, Noesen’s shot percentage declined drastically, scoring at an 18% conversion rate in the first 40 games, which then dipped to 7.8% in his final 38.

Noesen scored at a pretty even mix at five-on-five and on the power play. But with his goals coming so front-loaded, it’s fair to wonder if he caught lightning in a bottle early, and regressed to the mean as the season progressed.

Right now, Dawson Mercer occupies RW2 next to Hischier and Timo Meier. Should that not work out as anticipated when Noesen becomes healthy, you could see him get a crack at earning his spot back, while Mercer perhaps drops to the center position in the bottom six, sidelining one of Glendening or Cody Glass.

Trade Palat

The third line is probably where Noesen fit best. He’s one of the Devils’ better checking forwards, and was brought in mainly for that purpose, as a player who gives the Devils a little more oomph. Last season’s scoring was an added bonus, yet, it remains to be seen if he can replicate his career-high in goals going into his age-33 season.

As of right now, the third line of Brown, Glass, and Ondrej Palat looks good. They’ve formed some chemistry in all three zones, and appear to be an effective unit that should certainly show an improvement in the bottom-six as opposed to last season.

However, some around the league are beginning to wonder what the Devils are going to do with Palat’s contract. The Devils could certainly end up moving it to free up space to address other needs in the lineup. Noesen would then naturally fill the void at a $3.25 million discount.

But, what do they until that contract is moved, if ever? Ice time would seemingly be earned by merit. And whether you like it or not, Keefe loves what Palat brings, especially in a third-line role. Brown, as a Swiss-Army Knife, is expected to play in all situations. Could it be that Noesen downgrades to a 13th forward by circumstance?

Sit Gristyuk?

By no means is this the ideal solution. However, should Gritsyuk get off to a slower start than anticipated, perhaps the rookie sits for the veteran.

It wouldn’t be the first time an NHL head coach opts for the experience over the development, and it certainly won’t be the last.

However, Gritsyuk has built obvious chemistry with Paul Cotter. Keefe shouldn’t choose to break the duo up.

Perhaps there’s a world where instead of sitting Gritsyuk, Noesen seats Glendening. Cotter received a handful of games as a center in 2024-25 for the Devils. Perhaps, he could assume center duties, and be surrounded by Noesen and Gritsyuk on the fourth line.

It’s a good problem to have. The Devils’ forward depth is strong, which was GM Tom Fitzgerald’s goal this summer. The Devils are going to want their fourth-leading goalscorer in 2024-25 in the lineup.

How he fits? Well, there’s some time between now and then. Perhaps a few performances from others will determine how Noesen fits in the lineup.