Uncertainty looms over the New Jersey Devils' future, but one thing is clear: their strength lies in their youth.
From rising prospects to emerging leaders, the team is filled with players in their 20s who show real promise for the future of the franchise.
Prospects
Mikhail Yegorov
First up is goaltender Mikhail Yegorov. The 19-year-old is currently at Boston University after being selected 49th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft. Standing at 6'5", Yegorov is one of the most highly anticipated prospects in the Devils' system.
Anton Silayev
Next is Anton Silayev. The 6'7" defenseman is fast on his skates and skilled with the puck. Currently playing in the KHL, Silayev was drafted 10th overall in 2024. The 19-year-old blue-liner is expected to make an immediate impact on the Devils’ defense. He is projected to join Luke Hughes and form a formidable barricade in front of goaltender Jacob Markstrom.
Lenni Hämeenaho
The final prospect is forward Lenni Hämeenaho. The 20-year-old was selected 58th overall in the 2023 Draft. He is expected to spend the 2024–25 season playing in Europe before joining the Devils' farm system. Once he makes his way through the ranks, Hämeenaho is projected to join a forward group that already includes young stars like Jack Hughes.
Current Roster
Luke Hughes
Drafted 4th overall in 2021, Luke Hughes has already proven to be a core defender for the Devils. In the 2023–24 season, he set a franchise record for points by a defenseman with 47. He earned a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team and was a Calder Trophy finalist. His smooth skating, offensive upside, and defensive poise make him one of the most promising young players in the league.
The 21-year-old is expected to sign a long-term deal with the Devils soon.
Simon Nemec
The 21-year-old defenseman was the 2nd overall pick in 2022. Nemec recorded 4 points in 27 games last season, following a solid 60-game campaign the year prior, in which he posted 19 points. He is considered a reliable, middle-pairing defender with a bright future in New Jersey.
Dawson Mercer
The 23-year-old forward, selected in the first round of the 2020 Draft, has been a mainstay in the Devils' lineup for four consecutive seasons. Remarkably, Mercer has not missed a game since debuting in 2021, playing in all 82 games each year. His hockey IQ and consistency make him an invaluable piece of the team.
His breakout year came in 2022–23, when he totaled 56 points. Among active players aged 23 or younger, Mercer ranks:
- 6th in total points (167)
- 6th in goals (83)
- Tied for 10th in assists (84), sharing the spot with Seattle’s Matty Beniers
Although trade rumors have occasionally surfaced, moving Mercer would be a significant blow to the Devils, as he’s clearly one of the top players in his age group.
Seamus Casey
The 21-year-old defenseman was drafted 46th overall in 2022. He appeared in 14 NHL games this past season, recording 4 points. Projected as a future top-four defenseman, Casey is expected to join Hughes on the blue line shortly, rounding out a talented young defensive core.
Conclusion
The Devils made the playoffs last season, and with a deep group of young talent both on the roster and in the pipeline, the future looks undeniably bright.
Photo Credit: © John Jones-Imagn Images