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New Jersey Devils: Akira Schmid Agrees To North American Contract

By Nick Villano

KELOWNA, CANADA - OCTOBER 11: The Lethbridge Hurricanes visit the Kelowna Rockets on October 11, 2014 at Prospera Place in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Marissa Baecker/Getty Images)
KELOWNA, CANADA - OCTOBER 11: The Lethbridge Hurricanes visit the Kelowna Rockets on October 11, 2014 at Prospera Place in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Marissa Baecker/Getty Images) /
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The New Jersey Devils picked another goalie in this year’s NHL Draft. Akira Schmid is already going in the right direction after signing a contract to come to North America.

The goalie aspect of the New Jersey Devils prospect development is one that’s left much to be desired. Ken Appleby looked like he was making some strides towards being alright, but then the team decided to keep Eddie Lack over him this season. MacKenzie Blackwood was supposed to be the heir apparent once Cory Schneider got too old, but he’s been nothing short of bad in the AHL. GIlles Senn fell off after he was drafted last year, but it’s way too early to say anything about him.

After all these question marks, the Devils decided to draft another goalie in this year’s draft. Ray Shero chose Akira Schmid in the fifth round of this year’s NHL Draft.

While Senn has stayed in his native Switzerland, Schmid has decided to come to North America in his first season under Devils control. The Lethbridge Hurricanes announced they signed the 18 year old after taking him in the first round of the Western Hockey League draft.

This is great news for the future of Schmid. Moving away from his native country, and getting used to the style on this side of the Earth only helps him develop as a Devils prospect.

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Schmid was playing for Langnau Under 20 in the Elite Novizen League. His numbers were much better two seasons ago than it was last year, but he still had a 2.60 GAA.

Looking at the roster for Lethbridge, there’s a goalie opening for the taking. Logan Flodell carried the team to the conference finals where they lost to WHL powerhouse Swift Current Broncos. Unfortunately for Flodell, he’s now aged out of the league. Reece Klassen is still on the team as far as we can see, but he did not prove much next season.

This means that Schmid should have a very good chance of taking the number one job immediately out of training camp. Schmid needs the reps, especially on this side of the pond. Having him be the starter for a season or two could show Shero exactly what he needs to see. This could end up being a steal for a fifth-round pick.

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