Prospect System Ranking – 20th (Previous Rank - 26th)
GM: Tom Fitzgerald Hired: July 2020
COACH: Sheldon Keefe Hired: May 2024
The New Jersey Devils missed the postseason for the 11th time in 14 years, and yet, they remain one of the more intriguing teams in the league on the cusp of a breakout. With a young core headlined by Jack Hughes (23 years old), Jesper Bratt (26), Nico Hischier (25), Luke Hughes (20), Simon Nemec (20), and Timo Meier (27), it feels like this is just the beginning of a fruitful window for this east coast franchise.
While their current prospect system hovers around the midrange, the Devils still carry some intriguing young talent, particularly on the backend. Seamus Casey (ranked 81st) has signed and is expected to report to Utica for the 2024-25 season, while recently drafted Anton Silayev (24th), adds further promise to their defensive pipeline. With these additions, combined with the already graduated pieces, the future of the Devils' blue line looks secure for the next decade. Don’t overlook fifth-round defender Topias Vilén (184th), who is developing nicely as a low-key option after posting 29 points in 54 games during his rookie campaign in the AHL.
A little further from home, the Devils’ remaining top 200 prospects include Arseny Gritsyuk (127th), now 23, who continues to produce in Russia, and Lenni Hämeenaho (151st), who has consistently upped his game each year in Liiga.
Between the pipes, GM Tom Fitzgerald made moves to shore up their immediate goaltending needs, signing veterans Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen. Additionally, they used their 2024 second-round pick to select one of the more intriguing goaltending prospects in this year’s draft, Mikhail Yegorov. Ranked 253rd in our McKeen’s rankings, Yegorov will bring his skills to Boston University in 2024-25. While the Devils boast a lot of depth with six goaltenders under contract, the overall quality still lags behind other teams.
Exciting times are on the horizon for New Jersey, with or without a top-rated prospect system.
New Jersey Devils Top-15 Prospects
1. Anton Silayev
Gone are the days when giant defencemen with limited skating and stickhandling were prized for their physicality. Today’s ideal defenceman excels in mobility, transition, and puck-handling, and Russian prospect Anton Silayev exemplifies this new breed. At just 17, Silayev achieved unprecedented success in the KHL, setting records for points by a U18 defenceman and showing off impressive offensive skills despite a modest start. Silayev's physical presence is matched by his exceptional coordination and skating ability. Unlike most players of his size, he moves fluidly, protects the puck effectively, and displays deceptive footwork. His ability to join the rush, find gaps, and shoot from the point is notable, and his lateral movement and strength make him effective in shutting down attackers. Though he experienced some inconsistency and reduced ice time later in the season, Silayev’s unique combination of size, skill, and athleticism suggests he could become an exceptional NHL defenceman.
2. Seamus Casey
Drafted 46th overall by the Devils in 2022, Seamus Casey didn't grab headlines in his sophomore year at Michigan, but quietly put together a strong season. The undersized defenceman (5-foot-9, 161 pounds) chipped in offensively with seven goals and 38 assists for 45 points in 40 games. His skating and puck-moving ability remain his biggest strengths, allowing him to contribute in transition and spark the offence. However, questions linger about his defensive play. While he boasts good positioning, his size can be a disadvantage in board battles and against bigger forwards. Improving his physicality will be crucial as he progresses to the pro game. Overall, his sophomore season was a step in the right direction. He showcased his offensive potential while continuing to develop defensively. Casey could develop into a reliable two-way defenceman at the NHL level.
3. Arseny Gritsyuk
Arseni Gritsyuk's 2023-24 campaign was a coming-of-age party in the KHL. The young winger carved out a niche on SKA St. Petersburg's roster, notching 38 points (19 goals, 19 assists) in 50 regular-season games. While the scoring totals are respectable, it was his playoff performance that truly turned heads. He emerged as a postseason difference-maker, tallying six points in 10 games and helping SKA reach the Gagarin Cup quarterfinals. The knock on his game used to be his inconsistency. Flashes of brilliance were often overshadowed by stretches of disappearing acts. However, this past season showcased a newfound maturity in his game. He remained a threat offensively, but his defensive awareness and overall work ethic took a noticeable leap. Gritsyuk's stock is undoubtedly on the rise. While another year in the KHL could be beneficial, whispers of a potential NHL jump are starting to surface. His blend of offensive skill and improving two-way play makes him an intriguing prospect for NHL teams searching for young wingers with high ceilings.
4. Lenni Hameenaho
Drafted 58th overall by the Devils in 2023, Lenni Hämeenaho's Liiga season started with a bang. The Finnish winger led Porin Ässät in scoring early on, showcasing the offensive flair that led to the Devils drafting him. He finished the year with a respectable 14 goals and 31 points in 46 games, but whispers of a potential breakout faded as the season progressed. While displaying flashes of brilliance – slick dekes, pinpoint passes – consistency remained a concern. There were stretches where he disappeared offensively, raising questions about his overall impact. However, at 19 years old, there's plenty of time to refine his game. The Devils have a decision to make. He could benefit from another year in Liiga to solidify his production. But a taste of North American hockey in the AHL could also be an option. One thing is clear: Hämeenaho's development is worth watching. He has the tools to be a future contributor for the Devils, but consistency will be key.
5. Topias Vilen
Topias Vilen's first taste of pro hockey was a mixed bag. Splitting time between the AHL's Utica Comets (54 games) and the ECHL's Adirondack Thunder (six games), Vilen showcased his physical tools (6-foot-1, 194 pounds) and strong skating. He chipped in offensively with 39 points (five goals, 34 assists) across both leagues. However, consistency, once again, remains a sticking point. Vilen would impress by delivering a pinpoint breakout pass or orchestrating a shutdown defensive play – but these moments were interspersed with stretches of invisibility. Decision-making can be suspect at times, leading to turnovers and missed opportunities. The Devils’ prospect remains a boom-or-bust proposition. Refining his decision-making and maintaining a higher level of engagement will be crucial. If he can do so, his future as a reliable two-way defenceman with offensive upside remains tantalizing. Devils’ fans should be keeping a close eye on this prospect.
6. Mikhail Yegorov
It’s intriguing to consider how Mikhail Yegorov’s draft stock might have been even higher if his situation last season had been different. Ranked first among North American goalies by NHL Central Scouting, his potential is evident, but his stock could have risen further if Russia had participated in international tournaments and if Omaha had made a USHL playoff run. Despite some subpar statistics, Yegorov is one of the most balanced and well-rounded goalies from the 2024 class. He has ideal NHL size, athleticism, refined technique, and impressive focus, demonstrated by his ability to handle a high volume of shots behind a weak team. His lower ranking compared to Carter George and Pavel Moysevich was due to his limited high-level experience and lack of performance in critical moments, but he does have the tools to outperform them in the long run. He should have another season in the USHL prior to making the jump to the NCAA’s Boston University.
7. Nolan Foote
Nolan Foote's 2023-24 season was a masterclass in "what could have been." Drafted 27th overall in 2019, the winger battled injuries all year. He appeared in a mere four games for New Jersey, registering a single point. A conditioning stint with their AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets, showed flashes of his potential (three goals, one assist in four games), but ultimately wasn't enough of a sample size to crack the NHL lineup consistently. This stop-start development is a recurring theme for Foote. His blend of size (6-foot-3) and skill is undeniable, but staying healthy remains a major obstacle. The question for Devils fans – and fantasy hockey enthusiasts alike – is whether Foote can overcome his injury woes and finally translate his potential into NHL production. The 2024-25 season will be a critical year for the young forward’s development.
8. Chase Stillman
Chase Stillman's first pro season in the AHL wasn't a headline grabber, but it offered valuable development minutes for the Devils' 2021 first rounder. He notched 24 points (14 goals, 10 assists) in 54 games for the Utica Comets, a decent showing for a rookie. The knock on him coming out of juniors was inconsistency. While flashes of his hard-nosed play and scoring touch were evident, there were stretches where he could not find the scoresheet. This pattern continued in the AHL, raising questions about his offensive consistency at the pro level. However, there were bright spots. There was a willingness to play a physical game, racking up 72 penalty minutes. His skating remains a strength, allowing him to create space and pressure defenders. The team will likely want to see more consistent offensive production this season, but Stillman's rookie campaign offered a glimpse of his potential as a future bottom six forward who can contribute on both ends of the ice.
9. Jakub Malek
Fourth-round pick Jakub Malek turned heads in Finland's Liiga last season. The 6-foot-4 netminder posted a respectable 0.914 save percentage across 27 games with Ilves, solidifying his reputation as a strong prospect. He showcased good positioning and a calm demeanour in the crease. While not overly athletic, his size allows him to cover a lot of net. However, consistency remains a question mark. There were stretches where he looked like a future NHL starter, followed by games where rebound control became an issue. Development in puck handling and communication could also benefit his future. Overall, 2023-24 was a positive step and one that New Jersey hopes continues moving forward. The Devils might be tempted to bring him to North America this season, likely starting in the AHL. A strong showing there could put him on the fast track to the NHL.
10. Josh Filmon
Josh Filmon enjoyed a productive season statistically, but questions linger about his overall development. The 6-foot-3 winger notched a respectable 27 goals and 67 points in 64 WHL games for the Swift Current Broncos. However, that production came after a scorching 47-goal campaign the year prior. While Filmon continues to show a knack for finding the net, there are concerns about his consistency and playmaking ability. The Devils would like to see him elevate his game beyond pure goal-scoring and become a more well-rounded offensive threat. There's also a desire for him to demonstrate a stronger understanding of the defensive side of the puck. Despite these concerns, the scoring prowess remains intriguing. The team might be content to see him return to the WHL for another year to develop his overall game. However, a pro debut in the AHL isn't entirely out of the question, especially if he can rediscover his scoring touch from the previous season.
11. Adam Beckman
Adam Beckman is an offensive dynamo with excellent puck skills and a sharp hockey sense. His ability to create scoring opportunities and finish plays with precision stands out. While his defensive game could use refinement, Beckman’s impressive vision, quick release, and scoring touch make him a high-upside prospect with significant NHL potential.
12. Samu Salminen
Samu Salminen's journey from the U20 SM-sarja to the NCAA's University of Connecticut has been steady. He posted 17 points in each of his first two seasons, showing a well-rounded skill set and strong hockey IQ, especially on the power play. However, his skating remains a concern, not matching his offensive creativity. His continued development in Connecticut will be key in determining if he can refine his skating and become a consistent top six forward in the NHL.
13. Herman Traff
Herman Träff might not have flashy point totals, but he excels in his play style. A big, physical winger with explosive skating and a wicked wrist shot, Träff plays with intensity and is not afraid to challenge defenders. His confidence can lead to risky plays, but it's part of his learning process. While his game reading and decision-making were tested in the SHL and HockeyAllsvenskan, he used his size and skating effectively as a forechecker. Träff could develop into a well-rounded winger with goal-scoring potential.
14. Ethan Edwards
Ethan Edwards is a skilled defenceman with impressive offensive instincts and a strong skating stride. His ability to transition the puck and contribute to the power play stands out. While his defensive zone positioning requires refinement, Edwards’ dynamic offensive game and agility make him a promising prospect with significant NHL potential.
15. Cam Squires
Cam Squires is an energetic forward with a high work rate and solid offensive instincts. His speed and tenacity make him effective on the forecheck, while his sharp vision and playmaking ability create scoring chances. Though his defensive game requires refinement, Squires’ skill and work ethic offer significant NHL potential as a dynamic, high-energy player.