Speculation summer continues with this look at three prospects who could make their Devils debuts this season.
As Gerard recently pointed out in his excellent article here, while it is unlikely any prospects make the Devils roster out of camp absent an injury, injuries do happen. Devils fans know this from experience, of course, very painful experience. That’s why depth is so important. So, what young Devils might get a call should the worse happen. Let’s take a look.
Chase Stillman
Chase Stillman has an excellent chance to make his debut sometime this season as a 21-year-old. The 6’1’’ winger had a decent, though certainly not overwhelming, pro debut last season for the Utica Comets, posting 24 points and 14 goals in 54 games. However, it is Stillman’s play-style as a high-energy two-way spark plug that could give him a look as a call-up.
Should Stillman build on last season, the pesky winger could get a call sometime this year to fill in on a Bottom 6 checking role.
Daniil Misyul
Utica has decent defensive depth and Seamus Casey and Topias Vilen could both earn a call-up at some point this season to make their Devils debuts, but I am going with Misyul for now as the elder of the three at 23-years-old. As a hard-hitting shutdown defender, Misyul also plays the style of defense the Devils seem to be coveting more these days. That said, Misyul’s path is still a difficult one. The gritty defender will need a strong start to the season to earn another call-up (Misyul was called-up by the Devils in January but did not play) as Santeri Hatakka or Colton White are most likely to be recalled first in case of injury.
Arseni Gritsyuk
A long-shot as Gritsyuk will have to be signed first and in time to make his debut this season, but it is possible that the Russian winger finally comes over after the KHL season ends and jumps right into the NHL. Gritsyuk would be 24-years-old by then and what team would not want a jolt of secondary offense going into what is hopefully a long playoff run? Gritsyuk could potentially help fill that need without sacrificing any assets at the deadline. Of course, Gritsyuk would need to be signed first, then come over, and Devils fans have seen that dance before. The latest reports are that Gritsyuk plans on coming over to the Devils at the start of the 2025-26 season, but what happens if SKA does not have a deep run in this year’s post-season? One would think he would want to come over early should that be the case.
Around the Pool
- As expected, the Devils signed forward Cam Squires to his three-year ELC.
Final Thoughts
Now it is time to tell us what you think. Post your comments below.