The once high hopes for Nikita Popugaev have quickly wained among New Jersey Devils fans. After a line demotion for Prince George, he is going back to Russia.
The 2017 NHL Draft was one of the best on paper for GM Ray Shero with the New Jersey Devils. Obviously led by first-overall pick Nico Hischier, it was the depth of the players he chose that really gave fans hope for the future. Jesper Boqvist had first-round talent before his injury. Reilly Walsh has a lot of upside for a defenseman taken in the fourth round. Aaron Talvitie has been playing great in the Finish Elite League ahead of his season with Penn State.
The one pick I was most excited for was Nikita Popugaev. He was a player some mock drafts had going in the first round, but the Devils got him in the fourth. Chris Ryan with NJ.com called him the most intriguing pick outside Hischier in his draft grades (which he gave the Devils an A for this pick). Unfortunately, his season hasn’t worked out as some had hoped.
He was playing with the Prince George Cougars of the WHL. After a rough start to the season, he was dropped to the fourth line. Despite having dynamic scoring talent, he only has two goals in 13 games. Now, he’s elected to leave North America all together.
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Popugaev elected to return to Russia for what’s being called personal reasons. The Cougars claim other CHL teams had interest in the 18 year old, but he decided to go home instead. There is a chance there are things happening at home that he has to take care of, which makes it very hard to keep focused on hockey, especially at his age. The hope is that this return will get his mind right.
Popugaev would probably be at worst a second round pick if he stayed with the Moose Jaw Warriors last season. He scored 22 goals and 51 points in 40 games. Those numbers plummeted once he was traded to Prince George.
Clearly, Popugaev needed a change of scenery. Surely, the Devils hoped he would try and ride it out after a trade within North America, but that’s not the case.
This shouldn’t be a time to give up on Popugaev. His dynamic talent could really help them in the future. He could be a surprise prospect that helps the team in a few years. For now, let’s hope he gets his head right and his career back on track.