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The Devils recently added some much needed depth to their prospect pool when
signing Barrie Colts captain Joseph Blandisi to a three-year entry-level deal.
Blandisi is enjoying great success with Barrie in his overage season, as he is tied for the league-lead with 40 goals, and is 4th in league scoring with 89 points in 54 games.
The players ahead of him? Mitch Marner and Dylan Strome (both projected top-5 picks) as well as the Coyotes' 2014 2nd round pick Christian Dvorak, who plays on a line with Marner and Max Domi.
It's important to keep expectations realistic, but in a perfect world Blandisi develops into a capable middle-six forward.
I had the privilege of speaking to Blandisi about signing with the Devils and a variety of other topics.
Note: There were signal issues at times throughout the call so unfortunately a few questions/answers were cut from the interview.
TC: Obviously you were drafted by Colorado but never signed. Did you feel any pressure this season knowing you were playing for a pro contract?
JB: “I wouldn’t say it was pressure. I’d say I was pretty convinced to work a lot harder last summer. I was on the ice a ton more than usual…Then (this season) I took off out of the gate, which is what I wanted to do right away. I think I was pretty consistent throughout the year, and I’m pretty happy with what I’ve done this year.”
TC: What was the process of signing with the Devils? Were you talking with them for a while, or was it something that just sort of popped up?
JB: “There were a couple teams (I was talking to) but the Devils took the most interest in me. They were really professional about everything. They flew me down to New Jersey to watch a game and meet a lot of the people. That told me they were pretty serious about me, and they wanted me to be a part of their organization…Lou (Lamoriello) was amazing about it. The process was a little longer than usual (with Lamoriello coaching as well) but we got everything done, and I’m happy about where I am right now. I’m looking forward to going there next year and starting a new chapter of my career.”
TC: What do you know about the Devils organization and the style they play?
JB: “It’s pretty historical franchise. They’ve been around for a long time and lots of great players have gone through there…I’m looking forward to learning their system and buying in. They’re a team that comes hard every night.”
TC: You’ve scored eight short-handed goals this year. In comparison you’ve scored 10 on the power play. Why do you think you’re able to produce so much when down a man?
JB: “(attributed success to teammates)…I pretty much know all the players in the league from playing against them over the last couple years, so I know how to anticipate some plays, and I know the tendencies of the players, so I think that helps as well.”
TC: Can you talk about being named captain of the Colts?
JB: “Being a captain is an honor…Right out of the gate when I came back from Buffalo’s training camp I just tried to lead by example as much as I can while being vocal, and the coaches saw that in me. (They) saw a lot of the young guys looking up to me, and my work ethic so that’s why I got the role.
TC: What do you view as the strengths of your game?
JB: “My offensive abilities are probably my biggest strength. I’ve tried to be really responsible in my own end as well. (I’m) a pretty good special teams guy. I mostly run our power play. And then shorthanded, like you said, I’ve scored a few shorthanded goals, so I’m pretty good at killing penalties, staying poised, and then every once in a while you can steal one on the penalty kill.”
TC: You play a skilled game, but you’re not afraid to mix it up on occasion. Is there anyone you model your game after?
JB: “Not really. I mean I like Jonathan Toews. He’s really responsible in his own end and he’s very talented offensively as well. I think I just have it in my blood to compete and to battle. If it’s something in the corners I always want to come out on top, and if I don’t I get pretty frustrated, so I think it’s just me being competitive.”
TC: Lastly, if you could play in the NHL with one guy you’ve played against in the OHL, who would it be?
JB: “Brandon Saad. When he was in Saginaw we played against him a couple years ago and it was like men against kids. He was so strong on the puck, won every battle, was smart, flip flopped around everyone on the ice. He was tough to play against, (and I) couldn’t beat him in the faceoff circle. He just did all the little things that made everyone around him better, so it’d be pretty neat one day to maybe play with him."
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