Jesper Bratt Embraces Spotlight as Devils’ Playoff X-Factor Against Hurricanes
Alright, let’s talk about Jesper Bratt—because this guy is about to be the focal point for the New Jersey Devils in their first-round playoff matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes, and rightfully so.
Bratt’s story is what sports dreams are made of. Drafted 162nd overall in 2016, a sixth-rounder—yeah, that deep—he’s now one of the top producers from his draft class, right up there with the big names like Matthews, Tkachuk, and Keller. He didn’t get that respect early on, but he’s earned every bit of it through sheer work ethic and belief in himself. And honestly, that's why he’s so easy to root for. He’s got that underdog fire in him.
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This season, Bratt didn’t just put up solid numbers—he straight-up led the Devils with 88 points, including a franchise-record 67 assists. And that’s not a fluke. He’s consistent, he’s dynamic, and he’s stepped up massively, especially since Jack Hughes went down with a season-ending injury. Since then, Bratt’s been putting the team on his back—20 points in 19 games without Hughes. That’s clutch.
But what makes Bratt really special isn't just the offense—it's how complete his game has become. He’s playing tough, he’s playing smart, and he’s not afraid to get dirty in the corners. MSG analyst Bryce Salvador nailed it: Bratt’s learned how to use his size, his strength, and his elite skating to dominate puck battles. The guy is hard on pucks and isn’t just staying on his feet—he’s setting the tone.
Now, Carolina isn’t an easy matchup. They’re gritty, structured, and the same team that knocked the Devils out in five games two years ago. Bratt remembers that pain vividly. He didn’t produce the way he wanted back then—just two assists and a minus-6 in that series. But he went to work that summer. He trained harder, smarter, and reshaped his approach to being a puck-dominant force. That experience molded him, and now he's returning to that same battlefield, better equipped and hungry for redemption.
Coach Sheldon Keefe called him a “focal point,” and it’s clear the Hurricanes are going to key in on him. But Bratt? He’s not shying away from it. This is exactly what he trains for. He’s ready to carry the weight, lead the offense, kill penalties, and do whatever it takes to get New Jersey through this series.
Jesper Bratt’s journey from draft-day afterthought to playoff centerpiece is the kind of storyline hockey lives for. And with Hughes out, it’s Bratt’s time to shine. The Devils might be the underdogs, but with Bratt playing like this? Don’t count them out just yet.
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