What Will the Lineup Look Like When Connor Brown Returns?

With forward Connor Brown expected to return to practice following a preseason injury, writer Chris Fieldhouse evaluates how New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe should manage the forward lineup. Brown was initially slated for the fourth line, but the recent strong play of Amadeus Lombardi and Jesper Boqvist creates competition for available roster spots.

Fieldhouse suggests the Devils implement rotating scratches among forwards like Anthony Mantha and Evan Rodrigues to balance depth and maintain player freshness. The writer argues that reuniting Cody Glass with Arseny Gritsyuk could restore third-line effectiveness, while Brown could seamlessly slot alongside Jack Hughes or bolster the penalty kill.