The NHL Draft at The Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada has formally concluded – however not with out fireworks. The New Jersey Devils traded away John Marino, Akira Schmid and Alexander Holtz earlier than the draft concluded.
In complete, the Devils utilized former and newly acquired picks to seize seven new additions to their prospect pool. Right here’s the rundown:
Normal supervisor Tom Fitzgerald has been adamant about wanting so as to add dimension, and he proved that with the collection of Anton Silayev. Don’t let the 6-foot-7 body idiot you – Silayev is likely one of the higher skaters in his draft class. Many shops had him going top-three, so when he slipped to tenth, the Devils pounced on the chance. He’s drawn some comparisons to Victor Hedman, and even when his offense doesn’t ever attain fairly that top, Silayev can change into a significant addition to the Devils of their competition window.
Enjoying within the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) as a 17-year-old is absurd in of itself, and producing is a special story…he handed Vladimir Tarasenko for essentially the most ever U18 factors by a KHL participant of their draft yr (11). He has two years left in his KHL deal and can seemingly come over to North America afterwards. The Hockey Writers‘ draft analyst Logan Horn stated, “Silayev is an distinctive skater for his dimension, and strikes like an NHL-caliber defender already. He can work his method throughout the offensive blueline with possession, shut down performs from disadvantages along with his pace and attain, and has proven some potential as a puck provider by way of transition.”
Don’t let Mikhail Yegorov’s ugly .892 save share (SV%) idiot you: he was the top-ranked North American goaltender by NHL Central Scouting. The Omaha Lancers had been the worst workforce within the United States Hockey League (USHL), and Yegorov was frolicked to dry each evening. He went 8-25-3, however all eight of these victories had been fully as a result of he stole the sport. His dimension is what helps make him so profitable, standing at an intimidating 6-foot-5. The Devils are taking part in the numbers recreation with goalies: Yegorov joins Nico Daws, Isaac Poulter, Jakub Malek and Tyler Brennan as younger netminders with promise of their system. He’s dedicated to Boston College the place he’ll have the posh of taking part in behind a protection that’s way more succesful than Omaha’s. There, he ought to be capable of start to point out what he’s really able to.
One other emphasis on dimension, because the son of former Satan Ilkka Pikkarainen is now a member of his father’s former squad. He had 28 factors in 34 video games for TPS’ U20 workforce, after which acquired to play towards males for 5 video games taking part in professional hockey within the Finnish Liiga. He’ll seemingly make the leap and play there subsequent season. The Elite Prospects 2024 Draft Information stated, “(Pikkarainen) by no means fails to capitalize on an excellent alternative to make contact, even laying massive open-ice hits every so often. It’s not all in regards to the physicality, although; Pikkarainen additionally brings loads of craftiness as a passer, each within the offensive finish and in transition”
As soon as once more, one other massive human being. Sensing a sample? Herman Traff appears to have fairly good worth right here, being ranked as little as #39 by main shops. The Hockey Writers’ draft analyst Stefano Rubino stated, “Traff’s recreation has stunned many as he continues to develop and mature…(he) has proven that he’s a well-rounded bodily winger who can fill the center of the ice if wanted. He’s aggressive and bodily and has a terrific contact of the puck for a giant man.” He had 21 factors in 26 video games for HV71’s U20 workforce, earlier than incomes the call-up to play on the professional degree for 18 video games, the place he held his personal in restricted ice time.
I’m certain you regarded on the peak and weight. Not stunning. Max Graham is an overager taking part in for the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League (WHL). He had an okay season, notching 42 factors in 67 video games and including 135 penalty minutes. He additionally had eight factors in 11 playoff video games. As a 20-year-old with such restricted level manufacturing, although, his ceiling is probably going a Kurtis MacDermid-type fourth liner.
Whereas a .890 SV% for JYP’s U20 workforce doesn’t appear very interesting, evidently Veeti Louhivaara goes to play professionally within the Finnish Liiga subsequent season. As he works in direction of filling out his body, he definitely stands as a breakout candidate there. He additionally had a .921 SV% in two video games for the Finnish U18 workforce. The uncooked instruments are there, based on The Hockey Writers’ draft analyst Alex Chauvancy: “His glove hand, dimension, athleticism, rebound management and compete degree for free pucks are all strengths. He does should work on his lateral motion, puck monitoring, energy and explosiveness. Whereas he’s a venture, he was ranked as excessive as #99 by Elite Prospects, which makes this seem like one more worth decide.”
Whereas Matyas Melovsky is a double overager, he checks numerous the containers that the Devils are in search of. He’s the smallest participant they drafted, however definitely not small, standing at 6-foot-2, 190 kilos. He had 60 factors in 53 video games for Baie-Comeau within the Quebec Main Junior Hockey League and tacked on 19 factors in 17 playoff video games. He additionally dazzled on the World Juniors for Czechia with 11 factors in seven video games en path to a bronze medal. The Hockey Writers’ draft analyst Jim Bay stated, “He reveals nice decision-making and puck administration, as he often picks the great possibility and infrequently makes errors. It’s Melovsky’s bodily abilities that assist feed his total recreation. He’ll lean towards opponents, squeeze them off the puck, and instantly ship it to open teammates. However he’s not only a complementary participant. His give-and-go’s and occasional dangles beneath sticks are abilities that even have gotten him seen.”
Noticeable Dimension Additions
The typical peak and weight of those prospects is…6-foot-3.5, 200 kilos!! Sheesh. Exterior of the draft, Fitzgerald is continuous to maintain his promise, including the 6-foot-2 Paul Cotter, who had 233 hits final season. That might have led the Devils by 54.
The Devils now have $19,792,770 in cap area to work with (through CapFriendly) as they nonetheless have some holes to fill. These subsequent few days ought to be very fascinating.
