New Jersey Devils preview: Desperate to find some offense

2014-15 results: 32-36-18, seventh in the Metropolitan

Arrivals: GM Ray Shero, coach John Hynes, RW Kyle Palmieri (trade with Anaheim Ducks), Ds John Moore, David Schlemko (free agents).

Departures: Captain D Bryce Salvador (retired), President Lou Lamoriello (Toronto Maple Leafs), RW Michael Ryder, RW-C Dainius Zubrus (bought out)

Goaltending: New Jersey fans shudder to think where the team would have finished last season without Cory Schneider’s goaltending. His numbers (26-31-9, 2.26, .926) placed him among the NHL’s most consistent netminders. He will again be New Jersey’s most important player.

Analysis: Shero’s most challenging job will be to restructure the Devils’ 28th-ranked offense. The Devils might be tempted to give top draft pick Pavel Zacha, a skilled center, a roster spot just so they can start the building process in earnest. LW Mike Cammalleri (27 goals last season) is the team’s most dangerous offensive player. He is 33. The Devils hope Palmieri, 24, might go from 14 goals to 20. The Devils need C Adam Henrique to be the 25-goal scorer he was two seasons ago, not the 16-goal scorer of last season. The Devils' defense will be young, but could be quite effective.

What advanced stats say: The Devils ranked 25th in Corsi, which measures shot attempts as a means to determine puck possession prowess.

Breakthrough candidate: D Adam Larsson, 22, seems poised to take his game to another level. He scored 24 points last season and that could rise to 40 this season. He has started to perform like the Devils hoped he would be when he was drafted in the first round.

Youngster to watch: C Stefan Matteau, son of former NHL player Stephane Matteau, should get a chance to play this season. He had 12 goals and 27 points in 61 games in the American Hockey League last season.

What the team really needs: A John Tavares or Sidney Crosby or Steve Stamkos. They need a star offensive player who can also be a leader and flag carrier. They need a player who inspires people around him.

Key question: What can be expected from Patrik Elias at 39? To be the same classy, dependable performer he has always been. It would not be shocking if he went back up to 50 points this season. He can still score 15 to 17 goals.

Forecast: Shero was a good hire, but the Devils might take another step backward before they move forward.  They are a candidate to finish dead last.

PHOTOS: Players changing teams in 2015-16