Chase Stillman
This one will come as a surprise, as the former first-round pick seems destined for bust status, but Chase Stillman had an interesting season. He’ll never be a point producer at the next level, but he might be a player who focuses on his defense and outworks the competition. The Devils LOVE those type of players, which is why Tom Fitzgerald drafted him a few rounds too early.
What better way to prove you made the right decision than to have him make the roster in his first real training camp? Stillman is likely going to start the year with the Utica Comets, but there’s a chance the Devils find a place on the roster for him.
Stillman doesn’t seem like Foote or Thompson where he’d make the roster as a starter. He might make the roster as a player who needs to learn on the NHL level. The Devils have shown with multiple prospects they think NHL practice and travel time is important. They did it with Alex Holtz last season.
Stillman has a long road to living up to his pick status, but it begins this season. Fitzgerald will talk him up to the moon. It worked with Shakir Mukhamadullin, who was a part of the Timo Meier trade. Maybe Stillman makes the roster and eventually is added to a trade for a star.