New Jersey Devils 2026-27 Player Projections: Jesper Bratt – The Hockey Writers – New Jersey Devils

Every team has a lot of pressure heading into the 2026-27 season, but the New Jersey Devils might be at the top of that list. They have a strong team, and last season, they had a strong start but inevitably crumbled and missed the postseason. The Devils are determined to not let that happen again.

Each player on the team has a role to fill, and as we gear up for the start of the season, it is time to start predicting how each player will perform in the 2026-27 season. We’re going to continue the Devils player projections series going through the forwards group. Next up, Jesper Bratt.

Bratt’s 2025-26 Performance

Bratt had a stellar 2025-26 season. He played in all 82 games and recorded 71 points via 22 goals and 49 assists. Four of his goals were game-winning goals, one of which was an overtime game-winning goal. There was a little points production slowdown, as the two seasons prior Bratt recorded 80+ points, but he still had a strong season overall.

Bratt was also a member of Sweden’s Men’s Hockey Team for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Unfortunately, he did not get to play as much as he would have liked to and was even benched for Sweden’s game against Slovakia. He did not get to make the bigger impact on the Olympic stage that he would have liked, and Sweden finished in seventh place.

Expectations for 2026-27

Bratt is entering year four of his eight-year contract with the Devils. Just halfway into his $63 million contract, Bratt’s expectations are to continue proving to New Jersey why they believed in him so heavily. Just like everyone within the forwards group, Bratt’s primary goal will be to produce points.

As to what line he will play on, Bratt will likely play wing on the second line. There’s a good chance he flexes between the top line and the second line, keeping him solidly within the top six forwards. Bratt is one of the Devils’ strongest players; his place is within the top six. Keeping him on Jack Hughes’ wing is what the Devils will need to be successful in 2026-27.

Upcoming Career Milestones

Heading into the 2026-27 season, Bratt is just 28 goals short of his 200th NHL career goal. He is also 54 assists away from his 400th career assist. Just like Hischier, the combination of 28 goals and 54 assists is 82 points, which is the exact total he is away from his 600th NHL career point. With the way that Bratt has played, it feels like all three of these career milestones are achievable.

Bratt is also 66 games out from his 700th NHL career game. Provided he stays healthy, Bratt will reach this incredible achievement towards the end of the Devils’ season. There is a lot for Bratt to be excited for in the upcoming season, both with the Devils and in his own personal career.

Projections for 2026-27

In the 2025-26 season, Bratt was in second place on the Devils’ points leaderboard with 71. The only player who recorded more than him was Hughes, who had 77. My bold prediction for Bratt is that he will finally breach 90 points this season.

In the 2023-24 season Bratt recorded 83 points, and in the season following, he recorded 88 points, just two shy. While Bratt’s performance slowed down a little this season, with 71 points, the increased schedule to 84 games will help Bratt get to 90 points. Plus, as long as Hughes stays healthy, Bratt will have incredible chemistry with his line partner each game.

Other 2026-27 Projections