On paper, this yr’s New Jersey Devils rookie camp roster was underwhelming compared to earlier editions. Regardless, the preseason event was a sure success, because the Devils went a strong 2-1-0. They took down the Ottawa Senators (9-1) and Buffalo Sabres (5-2), earlier than falling to the Boston Bruins (4-6).
The outcomes don’t matter almost as a lot as the person efficiency of gamers who’ve an opportunity to, at some point, make an influence on the NHL stage. And it’s secure to say the Devils attained near-perfection from these guys. Listed here are 5 that stood out:
Seamus Casey
Casey was (by far) the title to look at coming into the event, and you could possibly inform why. The stat sheet is a bit deceptive, as he didn’t file some extent, however he seemed like a person amongst boys. The gifted defenseman had 45 factors in 40 video games for the College of Michigan, and that talent was on full show on the Prospects Problem. It felt just like the Devils had been biking the puck within the offensive zone each time he was on the ice. You didn’t even have to take a look at the jersey quantity – while you noticed a participant stopping on a dime, then spinning and weaving his method via opposing defensemen with ease, you knew it was Casey. No different gamers (on both aspect) in any of the three video games had that type of talent set.
He might have had three or 4 factors primarily based on the performs he created, actually, it’s a battle to see how he wasn’t credited with the first help on a Devils power-play aim versus Ottawa. Kevin Dineen, the top coach for the event, instructed The Hockey Writers, “(Casey) has a talent; that composure and the power to make performs beneath stress, that we’re excited to see him enjoying on the professional stage.”
Cam Squires
Squires is a first-class human being, as he gained Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) Humanitarian of the 12 months in 2022-23. From a younger age, he has persistently partaken in charitable efforts to assist his tight-knit dwelling group of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. On this event, his play on the ice was equally as spectacular.
Cam’s second is a beaut. pic.twitter.com/8DJLTIyGW6
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) September 13, 2024
He had two targets and an help towards the Senators, and there was a noticeable improve in power and physicality from final yr. His growth development has been just like that of Dawson Mercer; Squires had 72 factors in 66 video games for the Cape Breton Eagles (QMJHL) this previous season. He then tacked on 20 factors in 14 playoff video games, together with 11 of their collection towards Rimouski Océanic, which was a Cape Breton franchise file. Regardless of being taken 122nd total in 2023, Squires has an opportunity to be a productive NHLer at some point.
Isaac Poulter
Goaltender Isaac Pounter burst onto the scene final season after being signed as an undrafted free agent, going 22-8-1 between the Adirondack Thunder (ECHL) and Utica Comets (American Hockey League – AHL). He earned himself an NHL contract and was even referred to as up for a pair temporary stints, however by no means appeared in a sport. Nonetheless, he stole the sport towards the Sabres, stopping 33 of 35 (.943 save share – SV%) together with a couple of otherworldly, acrobatic saves on photographs that seemed like positive targets. He’ll doubtless be the full-time backup to Nico Daws in Utica this season, the place he’ll have an excellent alternative to additional set up himself as somebody who can ultimately assist on the NHL stage.
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Chase Stillman
The 2021 first-round choose Stillman suffered an damage within the second interval towards Boston and didn’t return to the sport. Hopefully it’s nothing severe. Previous to that, the ahead was a machine. He had 4 targets and an help within the eight intervals he performed. He additionally introduced a whole lot of physicality and grit and didn’t shrink back from post-whistle scrums.
It’s straightforward to neglect that growth will not be at all times linear, and simply because Stillman might not be a top-six NHL participant doesn’t imply he can’t ultimately carve out a invaluable function. He obtained a strong begin final season in Utica, notching 24 factors in 54 video games.
Xavier Mother or father
Mother or father has floor his method via the ranks after being undrafted, from QMJHL standout to ECHL standout, to now AHL standout, the place he had 45 factors in 71 video games for the Comets final season. The middle at all times somebody who has been ignored as a result of his small stature (5-foot-8), however there’s no query about it: he can play.
Fan favourite in Utica for a purpose.
I noticed a whole lot of parallels to Mats Zuccarello with the guts + edge he performs with
— David (@HermanOfTheYear) September 15, 2024
All through this event, his skating appeared to be leaps and bounds above the remaining, just like Casey. In whole, he notched three targets and two assists, and he was simply the quickest and shiftiest ahead on the Devils. If he continues to enhance his scoring manufacturing, identical to he has every season, he might ultimately discover himself signing an NHL contract.
Honorable Point out: Physicality
Whereas this doesn’t go for one particular participant, the philosophy of normal supervisor Tom Fitzgerald on the 2024 NHL Entry Draft was on full show. He opted for expert bodily presences in almost each single choose, together with forwards Max Graham and Kasper Pikkarainen, who had been each on the roster. The duo had no subject laying the physique, changing into a constant bodily pressure in all of their contests.
Landon Sim and Igor Mburanumwe had been undrafted invitations to camp, they usually each had been huge forces as effectively. Sim obtained in a struggle towards Senators prospect Lucas Ellinas, touchdown a couple of hefty blows. Mburanumwe threw a couple of huge hits and had two main assists towards Boston. It will likely be fascinating to see if both of those guys find yourself getting an prolonged look and a possible ECHL/AHL contract. As a complete, the Devils have made it clear that they obtained pushed round too regularly within the 2023-24 marketing campaign, they usually gained’t let that occur once more.
The veterans will now make their strategy to coaching camp by Wednesday Sept. 18, after which the primary preseason contest will happen on Sunday Sept. 22, vs. the New York Islanders. The group will then go away for Prague, Czechia on Sept. 29.
