Chase Stillman scored one goal and earned one assist on Friday afternoon against Ottawa in New Jersey's first game of the 2024 Prospects Challenge
The New Jersey Devils selected Chase Stillman in the first round of the 2021 NHL Draft. The club also selected Luke Hughes, Samu Salminen, Jakub Malek, Topias Vilen, Viktor Hurtig, and Zakhar Bardakov that same year.
Of course, Hughes and Stillman were the only two players selected in the first round.
Hughes went straight to the NHL after leaving the University of Michigan, playing all 82 games for the Devils in 2023-24, while Stillman completed his first pro season in the American Hockey League (AHL).
Every hockey player develops at their own pace, but still, fans have been waiting to see Stillman make a splash.
While it may have taken longer than many would have hoped, the 21-year-old put on an impressive showing at the club's 2024 Prospect Challenge game on Friday afternoon against the Ottawa Senators.
Stillman scored one goal and earned one assist in his team's dominant 9-1 victory at LECOM Harborcenter in Buffalo, New York. He noticeably played a gritty, physical style and was not afraid to mix things up around the net, showcasing all the characteristics the organization is looking for.
Since rookie camp opened earlier this week, Stillman has met with the media twice, and in both meetings, he has continually repeated one word: confidence.
"The way I look at it, it is my third camp. You get more confidence, and I don't like to think I'm a nervous kid, but I definitely have a little nerves coming into camp every year, but this year is a little different for me," he said after Friday's game.
The Devils have been direct with what they expect from the St. Louis, Missouri native. Knowing exactly what is expected along with being named an assistant captain for the tournament has increased Stillman's trust in his own game and position in the organization.
"I've got a letter on my jersey. Management looks at me as a leader and a person to be held responsible for," he continued. "I think a lot of that boosts my confidence as well. It was definitely nice for my game to show it tonight."
Stillman and the Devils are back in action Saturday night when they play the Buffalo Sabres at 7:00 P.M. New Jersey's second game of the tournament can be streamed on the team's website.