New Jersey Devils: 5 Players Who Could Surprisingly Make Roster

Shane Bowers

We get more surprising as we go along. The New Jersey Devils traded Reilly Walsh to the Boston Bruins for Shane Bowers. They gave up a right-handed defenseman with upside for a forward prospect that’s missing some upside.

The former first-round pick is now six years removed from his draft year, and he has one NHL game to show for it. He’s been in the AHL pretty much the whole time, with most of his time coming with the Colorado Avalanche/Eagles. The Avs tried to get the most out of their asset, who was really good in juniors.

Can Bowers change his game to fit the Devils system? We’re looking for surprises, and Bowers would be as big a surprise as any. The Devils will give him a chance in training camp and the preseason. They always do that. They will have early cuts, and Bowers has to prove he’s good enough to avoid them. If he does, it shows the Devils are legitimately thinking about adding him to the NHL team.

Bowers can skate, and that is number one in making an impression on the Devils. Brass look for players who can keep up. That goes for practice and for game time. Bowers has a chance to finally make an impact.