The New Jersey Devils will be getting their first real look at future star Anton Silayev this season. The 6’7”, 207-pound blueliner screams of an NHL bruiser.
And judging by his track record thus far, he looks like he could become an elite shutdown blueliner. That situation bodes very well for the Devils, but there’s a catch. The Devils' left side already has three mainstays: Luke Hughes, Brenden Dillon, and Jonas Siegenthaler. As such, Silayev does not have a direct path to the NHL right now.
So, what do the Devils do about the 20-year-old defenseman?
While the organization may have every reason to want Silayev in the NHL this season, it might be better to let him dominate the AHL for at least a season.
After all, Silayev is just 20 and is coming over from Russia this season. He’ll need time to adjust to the North American game, making the Utica Comets the best place for the 10th-overall pick from the 2024 NHL Draft.
With time, Silayev can find his footing in the AHL, allowing his game to develop. By this time next season, a path might open up for Silayev. With Dillon in the final year of his current contract, allowing the veteran to walk next summer could give Silayev the chance to ease into a full-time NHL role.
There’s no need to rush Silayev to the NHL this season
The cardinal sin of prospect management is rushing them into the NHL before they’re actually ready. Since knowing when a prospect is ready for The Bigs is hardly an exact science, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
That’s what the Devils must do.
It’s better to give Silayev a good, long look in training camp and then let him take over the AHL. That situation should build his confidence, knowing that there is a clear path to the NHL in the near future.
The opposite, keeping Silayev in the NHL this season, might be more conducive to disaster than victory. Since there is no clear lineup spot for him, the Devils will either have to send a veteran to the press box or keep Silayev around in a reduced role.
That’s the last thing the organization should be thinking about.
The 20-year-old needs regular playing time, and he’ll get that with the Comets.
There is, nonetheless, one path forward for Silayev. Should injuries become an issue this season, the Devils may entertain the idea of giving Silayev a shot. If that’s indeed the case, well, the circumstances would be much different.
Let’s see what the organization does with Silayev. The odds are on their prized defensive prospect spending the season in the AHL, getting some much-needed North American experience.
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