Devine has a chance to be a good NHL player.
I have always been a Jack Devine supporter for a lot of reasons. The guy is getting ready to be a college free agent unless he gets an offer to his liking from the Florida Panthers but that hasn’t happened yet. Of all the NCAA free agents out there. I think he’s the best one.
At 21, he has a ton of upside. He was drafted because of his hockey I.Q. and offensive ability. Those traits have improved to the tune of 41 points in 30 games. Critics will say his goals are down, ok, but nothing else is.
His puck possession is very good and the fact that he draws three times the penalties he takes is big. 55% of his shots hit the net according to InStat and what that does is create opportunities for his teammates.
His skating is very good. He’s gotten physically stronger and he can develop another year or two in the AHL. This is a player the Canadiens must pursue.
Devine can make that patient pass. He’s very good on the power play. He creates scoring chances. Does his defense need more work? Yes, and that’s something he can work on in the AHL. Today, he’s a 19% defensive zone starts and that has to increase in the AHL.
I do think he has NHL third-line capabilities and the fact that you can sign this player later in the summer or trade a pick for his rights, either way, I would do it in a heartbeat.