The Devils hope someone breaks out to make the NHL roster and add depth. They have a few prospects they are hopeful can do so with training camp around the corner.
There aren’t many prospects in the New Jersey Devils system. According to many rankings and evaluations, including the one here at The Hockey News, their pipeline isn’t one to be excited about.
That said, the Devils have a few players to keep an eye on. Most fans know about Anton Silaev, the big Russian defenseman playing his first season in North America. Likewise, the 2026 first-round selection, Alexander Command, is a high-upside prospect who will be an impactful player down the road.
Then there are a few wild cards. It’s what the rookie camp and scrimmages showed as a handful of players stood out and made a strong case to join the Devils starting lineup or at least be on the shortlist as a quick call-up from the American Hockey League.
Cam Squires Impressing Devils Staff
Cam Squires just completed his fourth rookie camp with the Devils, making him a veteran or leader of the group over the past week. At this point, the clock is ticking on the 21-year-old forward, and he must prove himself to a Devils team that watched him closely for a few years.
He did just that, especially with his play in the two rookie scrimmages against the New York Islanders prospects. “It's just another year that they're able to grow and develop, and maturity becomes a big part of it,” Utica Comets head coach Ryan Parent noted after Tuesday’s game, adding, “He's just a really skilled player. He can find holes really well. That's what he did tonight when he scored.
What stands out up close is the chippy side to him. He brings an edge to his game which is big for the Devils who can use a bit of that in their bottom six. Squires isn't the type of player coming for a star players job and instead, he must develop into a fourth liner to join the NHL team, which he's worked leading up to training camp.
Squires is one of the players who will likely spend most of the season with the AHL affiliate in Utica. He’s only 21 and looking to build off a rookie season where he only had 16 points in 47 games. However, with his skill translating and his defense improving, he can develop into a depth forward, which is key for the Devils.
Ben Steeves Playing A Pivotal Role In the AHL Or NHL
Ben Steeves is one of those tweener prospects in the pool. Not a prospect per se, as he’s no longer on an entry-level contract, but he’s only 24 and still developing as a prospect. His age and experience showed during the games, as he was always in the right spot and driving play for the Devils.
The problem is that Steeves is small at 5-foot-9 and weighs 170 pounds. He’s built like a top-six player but doesn’t have that skill and doesn’t have the physical play of a bottom-six player either. He acknowledged his limitations when asked where he’s looking to improve.
“I think I'm blessed with my size,” Steeves sarcastically responded, adding, “So, keep adapting, getting stronger, being able to play at the highest level, and playing against these big bodies. So, getting even faster and escaping out of corners, getting to the net through these big bodies.”
Even if Steeves isn’t on the Devils, which is unlikely considering the depth in the forward unit, he’ll become a key part of the Comets. His 45 points led the Charlotte Checkers last season, and he was a key part of that winning culture in the Florida Panthers organization. He’ll be a veteran on the AHL team to rely on for wins and to establish a culture to get the most out of the prospects.
The Other Names To Keep In Mind
Matyas Melovsky showed flashes throughout the week. The 22-year-old forward is in a similar spot as Squires, who is eyeing a depth spot but can become a key part of the AHL team until then.
The Devils prospect pool is headlined by their defensemen, and that includes some depth players as well. Silaev is the big name, and his pair, Seamus Casey, is a reliable puck handler who works well with the hard-hitting bigger defenseman. Mikael Diotte found the back of the net on Sunday against the Islanders rookies but had an impressive game overall as well.
Some players are close, and they can feel it. Parent admitted that they can make the Devils out of camp but, of course, could single anyone out. “It’s hard to say out of the rookie tournament. I'm anxious just to see them on the ice and playing with the full group,” Parent added on Tuesday night.
