The New Jersey Devils have a decision to make.
If they don't sign defenseman Jocktan Chainey to an entry-level contract prior to Saturday's 5 p.m. (ET) deadline, they'll lose his rights.
Chainey, a 7th round pick and former junior teammate of Nico Hischier, showed promise in 2017-18 as an 18-year-old, putting up 40 points in 66 games while playing big minutes for the Halifax Mooseheads.
This past season was a much different story. He missed a ton of games and, more importantly, was rather ineffective when he did play. Chainey mustered up just nine points in 32 regular season appearances, and his underlying numbers weren't overly encouraging.
Among seven defenders to appear in at least 30 games for the Mooseheads, Chainey ranked last in points per game (.19), points per 60 (.82), and Goals For% (55.26 GF%, -8.89 Rel GF%) at 5v5.
Chainey's ice time seemed to reflect his struggles as he was 6th on the blueline in estimated 5v5 ice per game during the regular season.
Injuries could have played a part in that, of course, but it's pretty discouraging to see a drafted 19-year-old being out-played by every defender on the roster – even on a talented team that made it to the Memorial Cup final.
While I wouldn't fault the Devils for giving Chainey an ELC – he does have some skill and it's hard to know how much injuries hampered him this year – I'd probably let him walk.
I just don't see much of a ceiling and there are finally enough quality defenders within the system (Ty Smith, Jeremy Davies, Reilly Walsh, etc.) that the Devils don't have to sign anyone and everyone in hopes of getting lucky.
Numbers via Prospect-Stats.com Recent Posts Stay away from Jordan Eberle