3. Akira Schmid, Goalie, 23
Goaltender Akira Schmid proved he deserves to be in the NHL full-time next season. Schmid’s 2022-23 season was split between the Utica Comets in the AHL and the Devils. When the Devils needed Schmid, he answered the call.
This save from Akira Schmid is simply glovely. 👏 pic.twitter.com/lOeoHAwzrJ
— NHL (@NHL) December 14, 2022
Schmid saw plenty of NHL action during the regular season when Mackenzie Blackwood missed time due to injuries, playing in 18 games for the Devils. Schmid’s SV% was .922 in the regular season and was about the same in the playoffs at .921. He recorded his first career shutout in February against the Flyers. Schmid’s steady performances earned him a spot on the playoff roster.
Although he was a part of the Devils’ regular season success, Akira Schmid’s origin story came in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Known for being calm and collected, Schmid needed that sense of calm when thrust into just about the most nerve-wracking situation for a rookie. Down 2-0 in a best-of-7 playoff series against the Rangers, with Vitek Vanecek struggling, the Devils turned to Schmid to get them back in the series. He delivered, holding the Rangers to one goal in a 2-1 overtime win. Schmid recorded two shutouts in this series, Game 5 and Game 7.
Round 2 was a different story, with some disappointing performances against the Hurricanes. He was not completely to blame, as the team struggled at every level, but the Devils once again found themselves down 2-0 in a playoff series. Vanecek started between the pipes in Games 3 and 4.
Ultimately, the Devils once again turned to Schmid in a do-or-die elimination game. While Schmid was strong, holding the Canes to two goals in regulation, the Devils fell short in overtime. Schmid showed he was able to bounce back from some rough starts, making 36 saves on 39 shots.
This is only the beginning for the young goalie. He can handle high-pressure situations in must-win games. With time and experience, Schmid will continue developing into a star.