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New Jersey Devils: Hayden Hawkey Might be the Perfect NCAA Signing

By Brian Freitag

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - JANUARY 11: Hayden Hawkey #31 of the Providence College Friars tends goal against the Boston College Eagles during NCAA hockey at Kelley Rink on January 11, 2019 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. The Eagles won 4-2. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images)
CHESTNUT HILL, MA - JANUARY 11: Hayden Hawkey #31 of the Providence College Friars tends goal against the Boston College Eagles during NCAA hockey at Kelley Rink on January 11, 2019 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. The Eagles won 4-2. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images) /
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After the New Jersey Devils lost both Keith Kinkaid and Eddie Lack, they require more goaltending talent in the pipeline. One college free agent could fill the slot.

Goaltending is a game of risks. Not every goalie who demonstrates ability in Junior is able to replicate that success at the pro level. This is why it is the hardest position to draft and judge effectively until a goalie makes it to the NHL. Just this last season, due to injuries the St. Louis Blues had to play their AHL backup – Jordan Binnington. He ended up carrying them from last place to hoisting the Stanley Cup. This is why it is important for New Jersey Devils GM Ray Shero to take risks when genuine goaltending talent is available.

One genuine talent that is available is Hayden Hawkey. yes, you said that right in your head. His name is literally Hawkey.

Hayden Hawkey not only has the perfect name, but he comes with distinct goaltending ability. He was a legitimate talent in college who’s rights currently belong to the Edmonton Oilers, after being acquired from the Montreal Canadiens for a 6th-round pick in the 2019 draft. Hawkey manages to fit the mold of goaltender that the Devils have been drafting over the course of the last five years. The Devils have been looking for big goaltenders to fill the net, the bigger a goalie is the less net the other team has to shoot at. He becomes an unrestricted free agent when his draft rights expire on August 16th after playing four years in the NCAA for Providence College.

During Hawkey’s time at Providence, he averaged an impressive .919 save percentage (SVS%) and 2.02 goals against average (GAA) through 125 games. On top of this, he posted a 1.88 GAA and .921 SVS% in his senior year. Those statistics last year were good enough for 20th in the NCAA, with only one goalie ahead of him that played at least 40 games.

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Hawkey’s numbers obliterate the numbers Cam Johnson, the Devils former AHL goalie, had when he signed. Johnson finished his senior season with a 2.14 GAA and .910 SVS% in 29 games before being signed to a one-year deal with the Devils. Hawkey managed to put up similar numbers to Mackenzie Blackwood in his final season prior to Blackwood making the jump to Binghamton. Blackwood averaged an identical SVS% (.921) in that season but recorded a 2.72 GAA. Using Blackwood and Johnson to compare his stats demonstrates that at least on paper he possesses the numbers required to find success at the next level.

Currently, Hawkey would be the second oldest goaltender in the Devils system at 24 years old. He has developed over the course of the last four years at college and could immediately step in and make an impact at the AHL level. It may take some opportunity away from current goaltenders in the Devils system, but I believe he is more a more talented goalie than all outside of Akira Schmid.

Since Schmid is only 19, he may take more time to develop before making the transition to the pros.  The Devils have run with 3 capable goaltenders for a long time, recently having Lack, Kinkaid, and Schneider. Now, after trading Kinkaid and not re-signing Eddie Lack, the Devils have eliminated their contingency plan. Without having a third goalie, the Devils are placed in a vulnerable situation should they lose Schneider long term again.

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This can also be important for the expansion draft, should Schneider not be traded beforehand. As long as Blackwood continues to play well, they will have a decision to make come 2021. If the Devils lose Blackwood and keep Schneider, they will be left with a 35-year-old starter. Having an extra capable goaltender even to fill in the back up position at the NHL level allows whoever is left as the starter to have some time to recover.

At the end of the day, the Devils should take a flyer on Hayden Hawkey. Good goaltending is very hard to find and taking risks is one of the only ways to find a bonafide star. Taking a goaltender who has displayed the level of skill he has through college could translate well into the pro game. Edmonton has too many goalies currently in their system and have no room to continue with Hawkey, making him the perfect low risk/high reward addition. I recommend looking at some of his highlights to become as excited as I am about him. It’s time for Hawkey in New Jersey.

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