Tyler Brennan – 2022 Fourth-Round Pick
The goaltending situation for the Devils is sort of in flux. As of right now, the Devils have Vitek Vanecek in the NHL. That’s pretty much all we know for sure. Akira Schmid might be the backup or starter in the NHL, or he could spend the entire season in Utica to gain a little more experience. Nico Daws could miss the entire season after hip surgery, or he could be back in a few months and take his starting job right back. Erik Källgren might be in the NHL, or he could spend the entire season in Utica.
Then, there’s Tyler Brennan. The fourth-round pick from last year was fantastic in the OHL. After a rough season with Prince George (record-wise, not stats-wise), Brennan put up 21 wins in 34 games. After the season, the 6’4 goalie signed his professional contract.
Brennan was expected to form a tandem with Daws while Schmid and Vanecek held it down in NJ. Now, things are complicated. This shouldn’t deter our excitement for Brennan this season. He has a good skillset that could eventually be used to start in the AHL. Heck, he could be an NHL starter one day.
Goalies are voodoo. That’s well documented. Schmid could be great, but Brennan might be even better. There’s a long road ahead of him, but we’re excited to see what he does in year one of his professional career.