The New Jersey Devils [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils]’ 49th pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, goaltender Mikhail Yegorov, has quickly become a fan favorite. Whether he’s chirping teammates at development camp or giving heartfelt shoutouts to his mom, he hasn’t played a minute for the organization yet, but fans are already on board. The 19‑year‑old just completed his first season at Boston University, where he’s coached by former Devils fan favorite Jay Pandolfo. Pandolfo played in New Jersey from 1997–2010 and was a key part of the franchise’s 2000 and 2003 Stanley Cup championship teams. Now behind the bench at BU, he’s helping shape the next wave of NHL talent, Yegorov included. Yegorov joined the Terriers midway through the 2024–25 season, officially signing in January. Just four days later, he was tapped to start against long‑time rival Boston College, then ranked No. 1 in the country. On January 25, 2025, he made his BU debut. He was nervous, maybe too eager. Yegorov stepped onto the ice a minute early for warmups, and BU was assessed a delay of game penalty. Afterward, he laughed it off, saying the whole thing helped shake out the nerves. BU lost that first game 2–0, but Yegorov was solid, making 23 saves and setting the stage for a rematch on one of New England college hockey’s biggest stages: the Beanpot Tournament. This time, “Big Mike”, as his teammates call him, was ready. He stopped 43 shots and backstopped Boston University to its 32nd Beanpot title. Yegorov earned the 2025 Eberly Award, given to the goaltender with the highest save percentage in the tournament. He finished his season with BU, having played 18 games, posting a .927 save percentage and an 11‑6 record. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ROOTED IN FAMILY: FROM ST. PETERSBURG TO BOSTON Before he was a Beanpot champion, Yegorov spent his first 17 years in St. Petersburg, Russia. He frequently credits his parents for his development, on and off the ice. At the NHL Scouting Combine last year, he told Flo Hockey [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QuoFhPLI50], “My mom helped me a lot.” Asked about the toughness of Russian moms, he laughed: “Yeah, sometimes, but they are wise… they will say everything that you need to know.” He lights up when talking about her. In an interview with NHL.com, he recalled, [https://www.nhl.com/devils/news/yegorov-smiling-like-a-butcher-s-dog-feature-6-30-25] “My parents told me that if I played hockey well, I could potentially come over to North America, get a great education. I’m at BU, a very good school. That was the primary goal.” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SIZE, SKILL, AND A FAN-FRIENDLY PERSONALITY At 6'5", Yegorov literally stands out among Devils goalie prospects. But it’s not just his frame, it’s his approachable, upbeat attitude that’s winning people over. During Devils' development camp, he told Kristy Flannery of The Hockey News: “I really appreciate it. I mean, I didn’t know (because) I don’t really follow that. I really appreciate it. I met a couple of fans, and they seem super great.” Yegorov isn’t expected to suit up for the Devils this season, but in the meantime, he’s learning from former Devils players and staff within the organization’s development system. That gives fans time to get to know him, and based on early impressions, they’re going to love him. He put it best himself when talking about the support around the team: “I’m just happy people are happy to be around the team. It’s cool that we have that big of a fan base. I really appreciate that.” Photo Credit: © David Butler II-Imagn Images
