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Why has this once promising New Jersey Devils prospect been completely forgotten?

Shane Lachance was expected to make an impact on the NHL roster last year, but now, he's not even discussed when looking at the Devils' top prospects.
ByNick Villano|
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Boston University Terriers forward Shane Lachance (18) reacts after scoring against Western Michigan Broncos during the second period of the Frozen Four college ice hockey national championship at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Boston University Terriers forward Shane Lachance (18) reacts after scoring against Western Michigan Broncos during the second period of the Frozen Four college ice hockey national championship at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Last season, there was some excitement around the New Jersey Devils because it felt like the team was finally getting some young depth at forward. For years, injuries would derail this team for one reason or another, but that would change here. At least, it seemed like they had winger depth. The Devils still had no center depth, but if Nico Hischier, Cody Glass, and Jack Hughes could stay healthy, they were good.

Going into the preseason, they tried to build some depth, with Luke Glendening signing after his PTO, adding Juho Lammikko from Europe, Arseny Gritsyuk trying to earn a roster spot, and guys like Brian Halonen, Angus Crookshank, Marc McLaughlin, Zack MacEwen (who was a late-preseason trade), and Thomas Bordeleau all had a chance to earn a spot on the roster.

However, the two most were excited about were prospects Lenni Hameenaho and Shane Lachance. Both were talented players with middle-six upside who could provide value in the right situation. They were given a legitimate shot to steal a roster spot coming out of the preseason. However, they both just played one preseason game. 

Shane Lachance should not be a prospect that the Devils forget about

We saw that situation come to life for Hameenaho later in the season. He had four points in his first six games, but he clearly hit a rookie wall and finished the season with just eight points. 

Lachance, on the other hand, never really got an opportunity in the NHL. He got one game and didn’t do too much. Now, his AHL season was not what was expected. He had 25 points in 63 games. Those aren’t the numbers of a future NHLer, but are the Devils and its fanbase really ready to quit on him already? They had such high hopes for him last season. 

Lachance still has the skill set he had last year. There is a new GM for the Utica Comets this year, and he could find the right role for Lachance. 

He is someone who is still worth looking at as a future piece for the Devils. He’s just 22 years old, and he plays with a physicality that the Devils would love to have. He’ll never be a 30-goal scorer in the big leagues, but if he’s a poor man’s Blake Coleman, that’s still incredibly valuable. 

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