The New Jersey Devils have a good defensive unit, even with John Marino on the shelf and Ryan Graves just returning to the lineup. However, they have quite the pipeline of defensive talent ready to take their place.
Simon Nemec
The New Jersey Devils know that Simon Nemec and team Slovakia lost their spot in World Juniors in overtime. His team was just inches away from an upset of Connor Bedard and Hockey Canada. Tom Fitzgerald and his staff should think if Nemec needs to develop a little bit longer in Utica or if he’s ready to jump to the NHL immediately. The Comets helped Nemec evolve and assimilate into the North American game.
It will be a matter of time before Nemec gets his first cup of coffee in New Jersey since Devils defenseman Damon Severson looks to be on the way out. Nemec not only comes in as a better paper move but comes in being an engaged right-handed defenseman.
Shakir Mukhamadullin
Shakir Mukhamadullin signed with the Devils last offseason, but he went back to the KHL on loan to Salavat Yulaev. He would need a little time in Utica before jumping into the NHL. He has a bomb of a shot that warrants instant power play time. He will eventually hit 100 mph on his shot.
He loves to shoot the puck and has developed his defensive game year after year. The long reach of the Ufa native will make it harder for opponents to get around him. Mukhamadullin can skate rather well for his size and makes brilliant passes. That will be something that pushes him into the Devils lineup.
Luke Hughes
Luke Hughes definitely will be a phenom. His heads-up play from the neutral zone to offensive zone entries will be similar to Jack Hughes (his brother) but score better than Quinn (the oldest brother). His recent showing in the World Juniors is one of the reasons why opponents next season should be very cautious about how they handle the Devils.
Hughes’ style of hockey fits that Ruff-Brunette high tempo, fast, and agile hockey pace that will only make it harder for opponents to take the Devils down.
Depth Chart Assessment
The style of prospects in the New Jersey Devils system stacked that teams looking at a Damon Severson to bolster their defense would be a win-win situation. So many other defensemen that likely won’t make it long term, like Reilly Walsh, need to find a better situation. It’s a good situation for Tom Fitzgerald to utilize that asset.
For those who want to hear more of this, there’ll be another podcast episode via Locked On Devils with a collaboration on this situation going up soon by yours truly of Heads Up Hockey and Trey Matthews. Both contribute here on Pucks and Pitchforks for your New Jersey Devils content.