Devils Rookie Camp: Prospects Challenge Game 3 Recap

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The 2023 Prospects Challenge is officially in the books. New Jersey left New York with a record of 1-2-0. Graeme Clarke led all skaters with two goals, while Xavier Parent and Will MacKinnon tallied three points. Below is a rundown of all the action from Buffalo and four standouts from the tournament.

Josh Filmon - TJ Friedman - - Graeme Clarke

Brian Halonen - Xavier Parent - Cam Squires

Cole Brown - Filip Engaras - Jace Isley

Michael Horth - Erik Middendorf - Timur Ibragimov

Santeri Hatakka - Oscar Plandowski

Daniil Misyul - Topias Vilen

Will MacKinnon - Colin Felix

Riley Mercer

Isaac Poulter

Clarke scored the game's opening goal at even strength in the first period. The Devils held onto their lead until the waning minutes of the opening frame when Mercer gave up his first goal of the morning.

The two teams entered the third period deadlocked at 1-1. Boston broke through early in the third courtesy of Brett Harrison and held onto that lead for almost 10 minutes until Squires tied things up with a little over five minutes remaining in the game. Minutes later, Middendorf scored his first goal of the Challenge to give the Devils a 3-2 lead. Engaras would add the empty net to secure his team's first win of the weekend.

- Simon Nemec and Chase Stillman did not dress for Monday's game. They both appeared in the team's first two games of the Challenge versus the Ottawa Senators and Buffalo Sabres.

- Dawson Mercer's younger brother Riley made 26 saves on 28 shots and was arguably the Devils' best goaltender of the Challenge. The Bay Roberts native looked composed and was overall happy with his performance.

"I liked my game a lot," Mercer said post-game. "I thought I competed well. Not every game is going to be perfect. But you try to give your team a chance to win, and I thought I did that on a few occasions here today. I was pleased with my effort."

- Isley, who is with the team as a tryout, earned two assists versus the Bruins. The 21-year-old joined rookie camp as a tryout and spent last season with the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League, scoring 56 points in 67 games.

- Clarke scored his second goal of the tournament in the first period. The six-foot winger had a strong showing playing in all situations, including the penalty kill. Last season, he led all Uitca Comets skaters with 58 points in 68 games.

1. Simon Nemec

Entering the Prospects Challenge, I expected Nemec to stand out, and he delivered. The defenseman looked comfortable in the offensive zone and showed patience in his own zone. He appeared in two games and finished the tournament with one assist.

2. Graeme Clarke

Does Clarke have a realistic chance to make the NHL roster out of training camp? Never say never, but it will be tough for the 22-year-old. He scored two of the Devils' eight goals during the Challenge and saw time on the penalty kill. The winger must improve his defensive game and penalty kill prowess to have his name on the team's opening night roster.

3. Josh Filmon

There is a lot to like about the 19-year-old winger. He scored the first Devils goal of the tournament versus the Senators. After fighting for position near the net, he got the puck past goaltender Leevi Merilainen. He was noticeable in all three zones and was one of the more consistent players throughout the tournament.

4. Will MacKinnon

One of the more surprising players in Buffalo was defenseman Will MacKinnon, son of Devils assistant general manager Dan MacKinnon. He appeared in all three games and made up the third defensive pair with Colin Felix. He wasn't the flashiest player on the ice, but he jumped into the play, earned three assists, tied for the team lead with Parent, and showed some physicality. On July 20, he signed a two-way AHL contract with the Utica Comets for the 2023-2024 season.