The Binghamton Devils finally started their season after a hiatus that lasted nearly a year due to Covid-19. Before that hiatus, the young B-Devils team was in the middle of an incredible push to make the playoffs. After three games played into the new season, it seemed that the Devils were continuing what they started before the shutdown. They are 2-0-1 and are tied for the top spot of the North Division with their rivals, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
Surprisingly, this success is mostly due to the huge contribution of its rookies. This comes as a surprise because young players entering their first season at a higher level of competition usually struggle and need time to transition before they can get comfortable and thrive. However, some of the Devils’ rookies look like they were never out of place.
One of the most notable rookies is defenseman Michael Vukojevic. In three games, Vukojevic scored four points (1 Goal, 3 Assists). What makes this more surprising is that Vukojevic is not known for his offensive ability. He is a solid defensive defenseman that provides a small contribution to the offense. He did show some of his offensive ability during training camp back in 2019 when he scored a shootout goal that was a masterpiece.
01 D Mike Vukojevic (@OHLRangers) highlight-reel shootout finish pic.twitter.com/f8f1EurGoM
— Over the Boards (@overtheboards) July 13, 2019
Nobody expected Vukojevic to do what he is doing now early on. If he continues to build on what he is doing at both ends of the ice, he might make it to the NHL roster much sooner than later.
Other rookies that had great starts were Reilly Walsh, Nolan Foote, and Nikita Okhotiuk (Okhotyuk). Reilly Walsh so far has a goal and assist in his first three games as a Binghamton Devil. On the offensive side, it seems like he fits in very well with the club.
Nolan Foote has been a surprise as well by scoring four points in three games. Despite only one of those points being a goal, it is great for him to show he’s more than just a great shot. He’s coming off a big injury, so it’s a big deal to get off the blocks like this. He might have a chance to play in the big club sooner than later as well.
Lastly, Okhotiuk displayed the offensive aspect of his game by scoring a beautiful game-tying goal against the Utica Comets. Despite not doing as much on the scoresheet as the other rookies, that one goal was impressive in itself and it deserves mention. The goal showed Okhotiuk’s competitive nature and his determination to help the team win. Just like Vukojevic, Okhotiuk is known for his defensive style of play. But, it is also nice to see some of his offensive side be on display as well.
Overall, most of the B-Devils’ rookies very impressive very early on in the season. Despite the very small sample size of games played, it is very encouraging to see them do this well so far and will make the big club and Devils fans get excited for the state of the team in upcoming seasons. I wish for them and the entire team to continue to do well. What do you think about the overall performance of the Binghamton Devils and their rookies? Are you surprised like I am about their early success? Please leave a comment below and let’s get a discussion going.