Takeaways from Devils Development Camp 3-on-3

The New Jersey Devils wrapped up this year’s development camp with their annual 3-on-3 tournament to a packed crowd at the RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House.

Six of the seven Devils selections from their 2024 draft class were in attendance, with only second round pick, goalie Mikhail Yegorov absent. Other top prospects in attendance were 2021 first round pick Chase Stillman, 2022 second round pick defenseman Seamus Casey, and 2021 third round pick Samu Salminen.

Top forward prospect and 2023 second round pick Lenni Hämeenaho was not at camp due to mandatory military service back in Finland.

The 3-on-3 tournament gave Devils fans a chance to look at a majority of the youth in the team’s farm system. Here are some of the players who stood out during today’s event:

• Anton Silayev came as advertised and was as noticeable as you’d suspect someone who’s 6-foot-7. The condensed space that the 3-on-3 takes place in doesn’t serve him as well as a full ice scrimmage would, but his mobility stands out. He got to pucks fast and moved it up ice quickly, through a crisp, tape-to-tap pass, or by skating it out of trouble.
• Goalie Jakub Malek, similar to Silayev, is a towering presence on the ice. He takes up all of the net, especially when he’s down in butterfly. What Malek did best was move side-to-side through his crease. However, he let in a handful of soft goals that squeaked in under his arms. The size and athleticism is there, but there’s more refinement needed over the next calendar year.
• The highlight of the competition may have been Michigan defender Ethan Edwards. He displayed an offensive flair that surprised many and was a joy to watch. Edwards showed off his one-timer to score a goal, as well as finishing off a 2v0. His best play came on a one-touch assist through his legs which found the stick of Salminen, leading to a goal.
• Utica Comets signee Jack Malone was another standout during the competition. The former Boston College forward scored three goals, all of different variety. He showcased a quick release and a willingness to battle for the puck in the corners and behind the net. Malone is signed to an AHL deal next season with Utica.
• Both of the Devils third round picks, Kasper Pikkarainen and Herman Traff displayed good speed and deceptively great hands. Traff played with a ton of speed, especially with the puck on his stick. His stickhandling at top speed stood out in particular. As for Pikkarainen, he also made very crafty plays with the puck and set himself up for a handful of grade-A scoring chances in the second game.

In the end, most of the top prospects that would be expected to perform at a high level did. The Devils prospect pool may not be as stocked as it was a few years back, but there are a handful of players at development camp this year that will find their way into the NHL.

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