New Jersey Prospect Update: If someone were to ask you who leads all Devils prospects in total points and points per game across all leagues as of this past Sunday, who would you guess? Arseni Gritsyuk? Lenni Hameenaho?
If someone were to ask you who leads all Devils prospects in total points and points per game across all leagues as of this past Sunday, who would you guess? Arseni Gritsyuk? Lenni Hameenaho? Both are solid guesses, but they’re incorrect. The correct answer is Matyas Melovsky. With twenty-four points in just thirteen games, Melovsky is at the top of the list for all Devils prospects in both categories, and as of Sunday, he ranks 12th in the entire league for points. Although he is a double-overager competing in the QMJHL, meaning expectations should be tempered, his impressive performance is promising. He brings a physical presence as a center, playing a style suited for the bottom six in an NHL team, which is something the Devils currently lack in their prospect pool.
Although Poirier is gaining much of the recognition for his scoring, Melovský plays a crucial role in creating many of those high-quality chances for the winger. When Poirier takes a shot from the mid-slot or half-wall, it’s largely thanks to Melovský’s efforts. He effectively eludes defenders, moves the puck past the initial layer of defense, and delivers precise, well-timed passes right into Poirier’s reach. Melovský will need to add some strength to maintain his physical play at the next level, but the early results are promising. As Hadi notes in the article, Melovský has displayed some exciting potential this year that wasn’t as apparent last season. At the very least, it appears that Melovský is on track to secure a professional contract by the end of the season.
Kevin Dineen has stepped down, and Ryan Parent is stepping in as the interim head coach for the Utica Comets. Following this coaching shift, the Comets faced the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on Saturday, resulting in a 4-3 overtime loss, but they secured their first point of the season. Isaac Poulter made 27 saves on 31 shots, and Chase Stillman recorded his first goal of the year. Meanwhile, goaltender Tyler Brennan has been impressive for the Adirondack Thunder, boasting a 1-1-1 record, a 2.27 GAA, and a .922 SV% at the season’s start. If he maintains this strong performance, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get some playing time in Utica soon. Seamus Casey is doing everything he can to help Utica secure its first win, contributing nine points in seven games since his demotion. Additionally, center/winger Samu Salminen has been performing well after moving to the University of Denver, tallying seven points in ten games, and he’s excelling in faceoff wins as well.
- Jason Simmonds wrote this excellent piece on Devils forward prospect Cam Squires for Salt Wire.
- KHL defenseman Daniil Karpovich is injured.
- Lastly, happy birthday stick taps to Devils power forward prospect Lenni Hameenaho, who turned 20 this week
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