Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

New Jersey Devils sign Egor Yakovlev

May 21, 2018, 10:36 AM ET [20 Comments]
Todd Cordell
New Jersey Devils Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell

Russian defenseman Egor Yakovlev has put pen to paper on a one-year entry-level contract with the New Jersey Devils.

It's been just under a month since Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the 26-year-old was expected to sign​ with the team.

Apparently, the move has been a long time coming.



Over the last two seasons Yakovlev tallied 31 points in 91 games while playing steady minutes for SKA St. Petersburg, annually one of the top teams in the KHL.

Those totals don't pop off the page by any means but his average NHL equivalency (NHLe) over that span was 19.2.

This past season 19 points would have ranked him 4th among Devils blue liners behind Will Butcher, Sami Vatanen, and Damon Severson.

Sports-Express' Igor Eronko tweeted out a quick scouting report of Yakovlev.



Obviously, Yakovlev's totals are not those of a dynamic defender but if he can skate, help the Devils break out of their own zone, and defend a little, he should have a decent shot at making the team out of camp – especially given their lack of quality on the left side.

If not anything else, he'll help out a Binghamton team that could certainly use it. There's no risk in a signing like this.

Recent Posts

Michael McLeod's 19-year-old season was a disappointment

Could the Devils trade Damon Severson?

Miles Wood drastically improved in 2017-18

The Devils should let Brian Gibbons test free agency

Pavel Zacha has been one of NHL's best penalty killers since entering the league

It's time to walk away from John Moore

​On a potential draft target at 17 and Keith Kinkaid

​Devils expected to sign Egor Yakovlev
Join the Discussion: » 20 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Todd Cordell
» Thank you
» On the Chayka rumors and finalists for the Devils' GM job
» Notes on quotes from Lindy Ruff's appearance on 31 Thoughts
» The New Jersey Devils may not have hired the coach they wanted
» Notes on quotes from Ruff, Fitzgerald, and Devils ownership