The New Jersey Devils face significant pressure for the 2026-27 season. Despite a strong roster, last year's late-season collapse and missed playoffs after a promising start fuel their determination to avoid a repeat.
Every player has a defined role. As the season approaches, we're projecting individual performances. Next in our look at the Devils' forwards is Arseny Gritsyuk.
2025-26 Performance
Gritsyuk debuted in the NHL during the 2025-26 season, appearing in 66 games and registering 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists). A season-ending upper-body injury in March required surgery and recovery time.
He first took the ice in the Devils' season opener on October 9, 2025, logging 9:52 of ice time across 16 shifts. In the subsequent game on October 11, he contributed two assists, helping the Devils secure their first win of the season against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Gritsyuk scored his first NHL career goal on October 22, a power-play marker assisted by Timo Meier in the third period.
He experienced two three-game point streaks. The first ran from November 12 to November 18, with an assist, a goal, and another assist. The second occurred from March 3 to March 7, featuring a goal on the 3rd, a goal and assist on the 4th, and an assist on the 7th.
Six multi-point games highlight his offensive output.
Due to numerous injuries last season, Gritsyuk moved between the top and bottom six lines. This fluidity allowed him to play with various linemates and learn from different players.
Expectations for 2026-27
Heading into the 2026-27 season, Gritsyuk is expected to remain a consistent presence in the Devils' bottom six. The team's front office strengthened the forward group this offseason by acquiring Anthony Mantha, Evan Rodrigues, Jesper Boqvist, and Luke Evangelista.
With several veteran forwards added, Mantha and Evangelista are likely candidates for the top six. This positions Gritsyuk in the bottom six, which is not detrimental. Playing in this role offers him opportunities to advance his playstyle and refine his skills.
Upcoming Milestones
With 66 NHL games played, Gritsyuk is 34 games away from his 100th NHL appearance. Reaching this milestone should occur before the end of the calendar year, assuming he remains healthy.
As this was his NHL debut season, Gritsyuk is not close to significant point milestones. With 13 goals and 18 assists, reaching 100 in either category is improbable. However, a strong breakout season could see him reach 100 total points, requiring him to more than double his debut season production. His capabilities after a strong offseason of recovery and training remain to be seen.
Projections for the 2026-27 Season
A bold prediction for Gritsyuk in the 2026-27 season is surpassing 40 points. Without his late-season injury, he likely would have been close to 35 points.
Gritsyuk has the potential for a significant breakout in his second NHL season. This performance could justify the three-year contract extension he signed, which begins this season.
