Updates on a few Devils prospects
Patrick Moynihan is headed to USA World Junior camp. Still at Providence College, they lost their season 3-0 to Boston College. Finding his spot on the team will not be an issue and will be a great stage for him to showcase his skills at the tournament.
Dawson Mercer, the Devils we’re happy when he was their for the 18th pick of the draft, is also with Team Canada for the World Juniors. But where he plays remains to be seen. There has been talk of him playing anywhere from the fourth line to top dog on a super strong Team Canada. What makes this interesting is if he ends up playing top six (he could also be shifted to the wing) he will get invaluable playing experience with other first round draft picks. The Devils can’t wait to have a player like Mercer step in. One of six returning gold medal players, he will be a leader on the team.
Graeme Clarke, also with Team Canada, as his OHL season is also paused. Coming out of shoulder surgery, the Devils third round pick may have an uphill battle to crack a deep World Junior team who if favorite to win, but the experience will also be good for him.
Shakir Mukhamadullin, “Shak… has gotten a lot of attention of late playing in the KHL and has also been called to Team Russia. Some calling him the best D on the team, the stage has never been bigger for this big and mobile player. A type of player the Devils desperately need in their lineup. NOW. Curious to see how this brand new crop of D plays for Russia, and if Shak steps up as a leader.
Yegor Sharangovich, also with Shak and Holtz, has gotten a ,out of buzz lately. Playing in Russia he sits among the top scorers in the league, a welcome sight for Devils and Devils fans. One of the youngest players in the KHL I am very curious to see his development and perhaps a second wave of prospects who could hit the Team in two years. And being near the top of the scoring lead will only boost his confidence. If he continues this pace he will climb up the Devils prospects list as well.
Daniil Misyul in the KHL is doing his thing with Lokomotiv. A quiet, steady player he will never have his name flash in the box scores and the Devils are hoping he could be a complement on the D some day. For now, just getting minutes under his belt before making the transition is the key.
Mikhail Maltsev, who was on loan with St. Petersburg and back with SKA. He should be in Camp with the Devils and I believe this camp could be a turning point in his development and career. With so many quality prospects behind him, Maltsev needs to make an impression now.
Nick Merkley, seems like he’s been in the league forever. Coming to the Devils via trade, the 23 year old first round pick back in 2015 is again injured. Injuries have plagued Merkley his entire career. On loan in Finland to get some playing time his return to camp should also make this a make or break year and the Devils will give him every opportunity at camp.
Jaane Kuokkanen is one that I am very excited for. The prize in the Vaatanen trade the Devils want the skilled forward to play and play. Playing in Finland now, the question becomes where does he play next season? It may be too early to see him crack the lineup but playing top dog in the minors won’t be a bad thing for his development. A bubble player now who will get NHL games as one of the first call ups.
Jesper Boqvist, wether you think he is still a prospect or not we have seen enough of him to know he will be give the opportunity to earn one of the few open spots in the lineup. 10 points in 13 games in Sweden is a nice production for the youngster.
Alexander Holtz, the top guy in the Devils system is lighting it up in the SHL in Sweden (his team Captain is former Devil Jacob Jacobson). He will also display his skill for Team Sweden. I can’t wait to see him on the world stage.
I have not been this excited about the youth for some time. Along with Ty Smith, Nolan Foote, Fabian Zetterlund, Nikita Popugayev, Nathan Bastian, Brandon Gignac, Kevin Bahl amongst others, the pipeline looks promising.
Ty Smith and Alexander Holtz I am most excited for. How about you?