I think NJ could take the next step this upcoming year after a trying and learning one in 23-24 amid the expectations from their 22-23 rise.
That's one well constructed team IMO.
I think we should be good again in large part because we should have some competent coaching again which proved to be a huge problem last year with Brunette gone. I do have some questions though that’ll determine “how good”
Fitz seemingly doesn’t give a single f*** about centers. We only have 3 true centers on the roster in Jack/Nico/Haula. Lazar’s never been a full time center and is going to have to be the 4C now with no backup behind him at all. Mercer’s the only winger that’s played in the middle and he’s not good in the middle. If either Jack or Nico miss any considerable amount of time we could be in some deep shit. I think the forward depth is quite lacking. It’s even more suspect than I thought it was going into last year and it proved to be a real issue last year
On the backend, is Siegs able to bounce back? Dillon’s been good but he’s also at the age where the bottom could fall out at any moment. That shouldn’t be a real issue though if Siegs bounces back under Keefe. I’m lower on Pesce than most people are. I think he’s a fine 2nd pair D but he’s not some upgrade on Marino and especially not one on what 22-23 Marino was. I’m also curious how Pesce looks outside of Carolina. He’s been in the perfect defensive environment.
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