The New Jersey Devils are likely to lose the rights to drafted NCAA prospect Artem Shlaine and he'll become a UFA in August.
The New Jersey Devils are likely to lose the rights to drafted NCAA prospect Artem Shlaine and he'll become a UFA in August.
The New Jersey Devils are likely to lose the rights to drafted NCAA prospect Artem Shlaine and he'll become a UFA in August.
If a drafted NCAA player plays four years of College hockey, the team that drafted him loses the rights to the player and he becomes a UFA and is available for any team to sign. This is the case for the Devils and Shlaine.
Shlaine was drafted by the Devils in the 2020 NHL draft and attended the Devils development camp this past summer. They used a fifth-round pick to select the 6'1 centre. Shlaine has played four years of College hockey, two years at the University of Connecticut and two years at Northern Michigan. Last season with Northern Michigan he scored 10 goals and 23 points in 27 games. He led his team in goals and was second in points.
The 22-year-old was born in Russia and has a dual USA/Russia citizenship. He's a playmaker who consistently sets up teammates and loves to have the puck on his stick. He has a shot that is dangerous enough to beat goaltenders with his precision, quick release and ability to change the angle.
On Apr. 3 it was announced that Shlaine would enter the transfer portal meaning he will be leaving Northern Michigan.
The Devils announced yesterday that they signed Dylan Wendt to an entry-level contract. This move makes up for the positional loss in their depth chart. Both Shlaine and Wendt are forwards with a similar build.
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