New Jersey Devils Top 25 Prospects At Midseason
By Nick Villano
Pick Analysis. 5. player. 85. Scouting Report. LW. Avangard Omsk. Arseni Gritsyuk
Last Ranked: 17
Arseni Gritsyuk is the prospect to make the biggest jump on this list this year. He was a “good” prospect last season, but he’s turned into one of the Devils’ top prospects this season after an incredible run in Russia. He made the Russian Olympic team, thanks to his skating that took 15 steps in the right direction this offseason. Gritsyuk seems like he could make the Devils today. He has 16 goals and 28 points for Omsk Avangard of the KHL. He’s one of their best players at just 20 years old. He’s been incredible this season, and he might end up being one of Fitzgerald’s best draft picks after taking this kid in the fifth round.
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. D. player. Utica Comets. Reilly Walsh. 4. 85
Last Ranked: 6
Reilly Walsh came into this season as the prospect with the most to prove. Walsh showed some last season, but he focused more on his offense than anything else. This season, he made major strides on the defensive end, and he’s a major reason why Utica is one of the best teams in the AHL. He’s going to be 23 years old in April, so one needed to see this kind of production from him. He still has some things to work on in his game, but nobody would be surprised to see him as a regular starter in the NHL next season. It’s one of the best transitions from last season to this season, and Walsh is going to keep growing now that he’s confident in his game.
Pick Analysis. Shakir Mukhamadullin. 3. Scouting Report. D. Ufa. player. 85
Last Ranked: 13
This is really high for Shakir Mukhamadullin. We admit that. The Russian has looked worlds better this season. He’s playing around 15 minutes per game in the KHL, showing he’s earning more than he was last season. It’s unfortunate we didn’t get to see him on the national stage in either World Juniors or at the Olympics. He came close to playing in both, but circumstances did not allow it. Now he’s getting a break before the KHL fast forwards straight to the playoffs. It will be an interesting experience for the young defenseman. The Devils signed Mukhamadullin to an entry-level contract, but that doesn’t guarantee that he will make the jump to North America next season. His next move is as intriguing as any.
D. 2. 85. Scouting Report. Luke Hughes. player. Pick Analysis. University of Michigan
Last Ranked: NR
There is a clear top two in terms of prospects this season. Luke Hughes and Alexander Holtz are the two guaranteed NHLers barring something crazy happening. They could both easily make the league full-time next season. For Luke Hughes, it seemed like his journey to Ann Arbor was a two-year move, but he’s been so good this season, he might be ready. It’s more likely he will go back to Michigan with Owen Power leaving a hole on the top line, but anything is possible. Hughes has 23 points in 28 games as a defenseman. His offensive game took four steps forward during the offseason, and he’ works perfectly in that Michigan system. This was the perfect move for him, and the Devils might have another Hughes superstar on their hands.
Next. 5 Players Who Could Be Available At Trade Deadline. dark
Utica Comets. Alexander Holtz. player. Scouting Report. RW. 1. 85. Pick Analysis
Last Ranked: 1
Alexander Holtz is the Devils top prospect. He hasn’t looked great in his time in the NHL this season, but he looks like one of the best scorers in the minors with the AHL. He needed one more season of development, and it’s proof the Devils are getting a legit scorer who should be on the top line in the NHL in a very short fashion. He’s still just 20 years old. He has 28 points in 24 games in the AHL. He’s everything the Devils could want in the minors. Holtz is scoring at will. He is doing all the little things head coach Kevin Dineen is asking of him. Holtz has superstar winger written all over him, and that’s why he’s the Devils top prospect.