Source: Devils Likely to Lose Drafted Prospect to Free Agency

The New Jersey Devils are likely to lose unsigned 2020 fifth-round selection, Artem Shlaine, this summer to unrestricted free agency, a source confirms to New Jersey Hockey Now.

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Mike McMahon of College Hockey News first reported the possibility, and New Jersey Hockey Now was the first to confirm.

The source indicated, “As it gets closer to the August deadline, it looks like Shlaine will not sign and become an unrestricted free agent.”

Shlaine’s rights remain exclusively with New Jersey’s through the August 15th deadline.

The Devils selected Shlaine 130th overall in the fifth round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. The dual Russian/USA citizen is one of eight draft picks in 2020 including Alexander Holtz, Dawson Mercer, Nico Daws, & Ethan Edwards. The Devils also selected prospect defenseman Shakir Mukhamidullin who was part of the deal to acquire Timo Meier.

The Devils prospect attended New Jersey’s summer development camp in 2022

Shlaine wrapped up his fourth season of NCAA hockey, playing at Northern Michigan University. In 27 games this season, Shlaine scored 10 goals and 13 assists for 23 points. The Devils prospect forward scored nine more points in 11 games last season.

Shlaine spent his first two NCAA seasons skating with the University of Connecticut, where fellow Devils prospect Samu Salminen is transferring out of this offseason.

In 59 games over two seasons with UConn, Shlaine scored eight goals and 18 assists for 26 points.

The 6-foot-1, 187 lb forward’s hockey career is at a crossroads as he’ll seemingly no longer have a future with the Devils.

Eliteprospects describes Shlaine as a player who, “Boasts outstanding puck skills. He not only passes through layers, but consistently passes into space hitting teammates on their tape. His shot gives goaltenders grief, with changes in angle, quick release points, and precise shot placement. Shlaine employs a complex selection of dekes and shows a willingness to crash and attack rebounds.”

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