New Jersey Devils: 5 Prospects To Watch In 2023-24

Josh Filmon – 2022 Sixth-Round Pick

It usually takes a long time for sixth-round picks to develop into good players. Other times, late-round picks pay immediate dividends. It’s rare, but the Devils are uniquely qualified to know when it is happening. Jesper Bratt was drafted in the sixth round of 2016 NHL Draft. He was signed less than a year later, looked like a superstar throughout that summer, and made the opening-night roster despite all odds against him.

We don’t expect Josh Filmon to take the same route to the NHL. The Devils don’t really have enough open spots on the roster to take a chance on a forward as young and inexperienced as Filmon. The Devils did sign him to a three-year entry-level deal earlier this year. Now, he can show his worth right under the Devils front office’s eyes.

After he signed, he played four games in Utica and scored one goal. Getting that first one out of the way is huge for his confidence going into next season. He didn’t play in their five playoff games, but that’s to be expected. This season, he should be a full-time starter, and he could be the Devils most important forward in Utica.

That’s saying something since we just talked about Chase Stillman. They might also have Alexander Holtz (if he’s there, he’s more important), Graeme Clarke, possibly Tyce Thompson, and Brian Halonen. Filmon is the only one coming off a 47-goal season. It’s 48 if you count the goal he scored with the Comets. If he can bring that goal scoring to Utica, it might be no time before he’s in New Jersey.