Pucks and Pitchforks recently spoke to the New Jersey Devils' defensive core. There are so many options that are signed for years to come, but it's never too early for succession planning.
That's a segue for Anton Silayev potentially inking an entry-level contract in time for the 2026-27 season. Currently, Brenden Dillon is 34 but will be 36 when his contract ends. It is possible Dillon can stay on for another year of service as a stay-at-home defenseman, but he may need to take a pay cut from his current $4 million cap hit.
Re-signing Dillon to be a third-line defender, while a young Anton Silayev develops, could be a smart move.
It is great to have defensive coach Brad Shaw around to teach gap control and puck control. Also having Sergei Brylin around to interpret and help show situational on ice drills in improving breakout passes, covering the crease, and not hitting a player in the back of the numbers on top of stick lifting and other defensive maneuvers will be important in his progression.
The New Jersey Devils, in the past, have been blessed with physical defenders like Scott Stevens, Colin White, and Anton Volchenkov at various periods in this franchise's history. Devils fans will be very excited with how a KHL veteran and an NHL rookie come in and turn heads.
Anton Silayev is not the kind of guy who will light the lamp, but his ability to be more in position in his age group at the biggest pro league outside the NHL speaks high volumes. The Devils have guys like Dougie Hamilton, Luke Hughes, Simon Nemec, and Jonathan Kovacevic. Where Hamilton is known for his high offensive output, Hughes is a phenomenal puck mover and points producer, and Simon Nemec is growing into being a more defensive-minded defender who is carefully popping offensively when he is needed. Kovacevic does something similar to Nemec, but is more of a hitter than a block specialist. Anton Silayev brings that updated Russian Hockey, logical, physical, tic tac toe, quick movements, and leads by example.
The Devils must hammer out Luke Hughes' contract. This team is destined for success, and the forward core is updated to support the defensive line on the backend. They should have a more diversified attack, while supporting the goalies behind them. Defensive strength will only help the goalies get more set and ready for more defensive battles, and shutting down high-octane offenses, limiting the amount of goals against.