I think they'll be in the bottom 5 of the league. Yes Crawford will help Blackwood, yes Kulikov and Murray will help the PK and yes Johnsson should be a good middle sixer but their D-core is still a problem, with Subban still stinking and with Butcher not being the same since 16-17.

Here are 3 x-factors for them if they want to have success in their very strong division:
-someone needs to step up at offense and score at a 25 goal place or more (proportional to an 82 game season)
-Murray and Kulikov NEED to defend really well on a consistent basis
-Blackwood and Crawford can't be any worse than very good

Here's how I'd build their lineup:
Gusev-Hischier-Palmieri
Johnsson-Hughes-Bratt
Foote-Zacha-Boqvist
Wood-Zajac-McLeod

Butcher-Severson
Murray-Subban
Smith-Kulikov

Blackwood
Crawford

@Devil1122
@zyyyp

I don't think they would be bottom 5 in the league, but definitely last in the division. I agree with all of the factors for success. The only thing I would change would be the lines. I hope the Devils try Hughes at the wing again with Nico & Palms and keep Bratt, Zacha, Gusev together.

would have been better if we got geersten earlier