The New Jersey Devils are hoping that their young prospect Reilly Walsh can follow in the same footsteps as some of his former Harvard teammates.
The New Jersey Devils want their prospects across all levels to eventually hit in a way that they become a consistently winning organization. One of those prospects is Harvard defenseman Reilly Walsh. The Devils took Walsh in the third round, 81st overall, in the 2017 NHL Draft. He is currently unsigned by the Devils as he finishes up another year at Harvard.
There have been some really solid players around him in similar positions to go on and have stellar careers in the NHL so far, including the Pittsburgh Penguins’ John Marino. He was a defenseman with Walsh at Harvard before he graduated to the NHL. In his first season with the Penguins, he has been spectacular. He has six goals and 20 assists for 26 points in 56 games. He is also a +17 and has a 51.6 CF%. His all-around game is spectacular for a 20 year old.
It doesn’t stop at Marino either. There is also Adam Fox of the New York Rangers. Fox is in the conversation for a Calder Trophy nomination. He has been sensational for the Rangers. He has eight goals and 34 assists for 42 points in 72 games played for New York. He is a remarkable +22 and has a 51.7 CorsiFor. It has been an elite year for the 22-year-old rookie.
Expecting Walsh to be quite as good as Fox or Marino is a bit much at first, especially Fox. With that said, he has put up very good numbers at Harvard in their absence. He has eight goals and 19 assists for 27 points in 30 NCAA games. The hope is that he can come in and at least be a serviceable NHL defenseman. If he follows the footsteps of his fellow Harvard alumni then the Devils will be in great shape.
Walsh could play another year at Harvard or he can turn pro this summer. If he turns pro then he will be given an opportunity to make the team. He might also be a candidate to play a few games for the Binghamton Devils. Either way, the Devils need to make sure that he gets what he needs to be successful whenever he does make it. One thing is for sure, he has a chance to be a good player for the Devils because of his talent.