New Jersey Devils: Five Standouts From Prospects Challenge

Nathan Bastian

Nathan Bastian is one of the players in this tournament that had some NHL experience under his belt. Bastian has played in seven National Hockey League games for the New Jersey Devils and he was noticeable in pretty much every single one. He had three goals in those seven games and is stuck on still looking for his first career assist so he just has the three points. Bastian is able to get to the dirty areas and score garbage goals.

If he has good linemates he can benefit from the skilled work that they do and it showed in this tournament. He scored a power-play goal in the final game vs the Boston Bruins thanks to a really nice passing play made by Ty Smith and Jesper Boqvist. He tapped it in and gave the Devils a 1-0 lead in a game that they would eventually win 3-2 in overtime.

He also brings an element of physicality to the game every time he is out there. He is capable of making big hits and will drop the gloves if need be. He had a couple of fights in this tournament and stood up for Jack Hughes after he took a big hit. He will stand up for his teammates and himself which proves he is the type of guy you need in your bottom six.

When Bastian is on his game he is a great depth player and could help the Devils win hockey games. If the 2019 Stanley Cup Final between the St. Louis Blues and Boston Bruins showed us anything, it is that a player like Bastian is still valuable in the NHL. He stood out throughout the tournament and he has a nice chance at NHL ice this year.