Albany Devils Season Ends: Top Performers & Potential Call-ups

Unlike the New Jersey Devils, the Albany Devils had a very good chance at making the postseason this year. However, the Devils AHL affiliate would fall just two-points shy of the Calder Cup Playoffs after winning 10 of their last 13 games. With the “transition” that GM Lou Lamoriello has stated the Devils will be going through this off-season, it’s time to look at which Albany Devils could make the NHL roster next year.

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The points leader for the Albany Devils this season was forward

who led the team with 60 points in 66 games played. The 26 year-old Whitney also appeared in four games with the New Jersey Devils this season and contributed a goal on his only shot in the NHL this season. While Whitney lead the Albany Devils in points, he did not lead the team in goals.

The goal leader for the Albany Devils this season was Paul Thompson. Unlike Whitney, Thompson did not get called-up to the NHL this season even though he led all Albany Devils with 33 goals in 73 games. His 33 goals were also good enough for him to finish second in goals in the AHL this season. Thompson signed an AHL deal with the Albany Devils last summer after playing for both the Pittsburgh and Columbus AHL affiliates. He has not played in the NHL before, but with the Devils in need of more scoring he will certainly get a shot to make the team in training camp.

On the defensive side of things; Brandon Burlon, Raman Hrabarenka and Reece Scarlett all finished in the top-10 in points for Albany this season. Hrabarenka was the only one out of the three defensemen listed above to get called-up to New Jersey, but that could change very quickly if a trade were to be made in order to acquire more scoring. Scarlett is the most highly touted amongst the three defensemen who has been given a B rating in probability of success by Hockey’s Future. The following is what they had to say about him:

“Scarlett’s game revolves around his mobility, puck distribution skills, and defensive zone awareness. He has some quality offensive skills — showing extreme confidence in his puck rushing ability and being assertive in the offensive zone. He uses his stick well while defending, especially off the rush, and is sound in his own end. While he has put on some weight and a little more muscle he will need to get stronger to withstand the rigors of the professional game.”

While Whitney, Thompson and Scarlett are likely to get looks in training camp next season, there are still two Albany Devils who will likely be on the New Jersey roster next year. Both Reid Boucher and Stefan Matteau played in Albany and New Jersey at times this season, yet they did not have great stats while playing in Albany. However, Lamoriello seems to be high on Boucher and Matteau as they were in and out of the starting lineup at the end of the season. The Devils are hoping Boucher could start contributing to their scoring in the near future and Matteau could be a good two-way forward who uses his size to drive possession.

Besides the prospects listed above, I’d expect Seth Helgeson to get a long look in training camp next season. He played in 22 games for New Jersey this season and will most certainly be given a chance to prove he belongs at the NHL level. Just like Reece Scarlett, Hockey’s Future also gave Helgeson a B rating in probability of success and had this to say about him:

“Helgeson plays a simple and safe game, using his imposing size to his advantage. He excels at rubbing opponents out along the boards and behind the net. His long reach aids him with defending off the rush and in his own end. He is usually in good position and does a good job using his stick to take away passing lanes. A prototypical stay-at-home defenseman, Helgeson’s skating stride and puck skills have improved markedly since he was first drafted. He is limited in terms of offense but makes strong, crisp outlet passes and does a good job of getting the puck through traffic and towards the net.”

With 8 pending unrestricted free agents this off-season and 4 restricted free agents, not to mention the need to address the team’s various holes we could see a decent amount of roster spots up for grab next year. Which Albany Devils would you like to see up with New Jersey next season? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

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