New Jersey Devils prospects Lenni Hameenaho and Arseni Gritsyuk have completed their seasons with their respective teams.
New Jersey Devils prospects Lenni Hameenaho and Arseni Gritsyuk have completed their seasons with their respective teams.
New Jersey Devils prospects Lenni Hameenaho and Arseni Gritsyuk have completed their seasons with their respective teams.
Gritsyuk is arguably the most highly-anticipated prospect in the Devils system now that Simon Nemec has become a regular in the NHL. Gritsyuk was drafted back in 2019 in the fifth round.
The Russian forward played 50 games this season with SKA St. Petersburg scoring 19 goals and 38 assists. In 10 playoff games, he tallied four goals and six assists.
The 23-year-old has played 167 games in the KHL spanning over five seasons. Devils fans will have to remain patient as his KHL contract has one more year remaining. Any hopes of seeing him play for the Utica Comets to end the season would be considered wishful thinking.
Gritsyuk is listed at just 5'11 but is a quick, crafty winger with a dangerous shot. His smooth skating allows him to take on defenders and cut into the slot when on the rush. He shoots left but follows a similar development pattern to other Russians who like to play on their off-wing.
Hameenaho's season in Liiga wrapped up when Ässät failed to make the playoffs by just two points. Despite being 19 years old, Hameenaho finished second on the team in points and led the team in goals. Playing in 46 games, he scored 14 goals and 31 points.
The Finnish winger isn't known for his physical attributes. He's listed at 6'0, 176 lbs and isn't the fastest player on the ice but he uses his brain and hockey sense to put himself in advantageous situations. He reads the play well and gets to the front of the net. He possesses a strong shot that allows him to be dangerous anywhere in the offensive zone.
Hameenaho was drafted in the second round with the 58th pick in the 2023 NHL draft. He's signed with Ässät for next season as well. A successful season for the Devils' only top-100 pick in last year's draft is a good sign and an important outcome.
Both Gritsyuk and Hameenaho don't project to be top-line players scoring at a point-per-game in the NHL but could be very productive middle-six offensive forwards who can give the Devils' second power-play unit a boost. Having two skilled wingers in the prospect system is important because the Devils will need to give contracts to Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec in a few years. Having Gritsyuk and Hameenaho as possible additions to the lineup on entry-level contracts can help them prolong their window to win a Stanley Cup.
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