After draft previews and a few weeks absence, some news may have slipped through the cracks. This post summarizes what may have been missed.
As the draft nears, we look at some news we may have missed.
Around the Pool:
- First, the confirmation we’ve been waiting for:
Both Zakhar Bardakov and Arseniy Gritsyuk are leaving SKA.
The pair will continue their respective careers in North America.
We would like to thank them for their efforts with our club in Saint Petersburg! Good luck!#hcSKA pic.twitter.com/uSpwtlOD1O
— SKA Ice Hockey Club (@hcSKA_News) June 11, 2025
I’m still stung by the salt of losing Bardakov, but we shall see how he fares in Colorado. Gritsyuk should be a welcomed addition to the Devils lineup next season.
- Congratulations to center Matyas Melovsky for earning some hardware as the best defensive forward in the QMJHL last season. Melovsky signed an AHL contract with the Utica Comets this offseason. A defensive-minded center with a scoring touch and physical presence, he certainly has the mold of a player who could become a valued addition to the bottom of the Devils lineup one day. It will be interesting to see how he develops.
Guy-Carbonneau Trophy, Matyas Melovsky, @DrakkarBAC:
Despite constantly being used against opposing top lines, the QMJHL’s 7th-highest scorer still finished the season with a +40 differential, in addition to winning 59.1% (7th) of his 1,444 face-offs (4th). pic.twitter.com/pZ4fw6ib5x
— QMJHL (@QMJHL) May 9, 2025
- To no one’s surprise, Anton Silayev will spend another season developing in the KHL, but the timeline from Daniel Rebain is encouraging.
As I suspected. One more year in the KHL for Anton Silayev before he signs his three year ELC with New Jersey in the Spring of 2026. ✍
— Daniel Rebain (@pvtmcbain) June 3, 2025
- Daniel Rebain also tweeted (x’ed?) this post about the the KHL players who may be heading to the Devils camp. The note on Karpovich is particular interesting. Injuries limited Karpovich to 25 games this year, only four of which were in the KHL with an average ice time of 5:04 minutes.
I would also expect Daniil Karpovich (’23, 6th Rd) and maybe even Artyom Barabosha (’22, 7th Rd) to make the trip over for Dev camp.
Daniil Orlov could make the trip for a second stright year, but with his new deal with Spartek idk.
Karpovich is also on potential ELC watch.
— Daniel Rebain (@pvtmcbain) June 3, 2025
- After a rough season, there will be a shifting of the guard in the Utica Comets coaching staff as contracts are not renewed. Replacements TBD.
- Adirondack Thunder Assistant Coach Mike Bergin had some kind words for winger prospect Josh Filmon.
“For his first pro season, I thought it went well,” Bergin said. “He came in, and it is tough to adjust to the pro level, especially when you are still eligible to play juniors, as Josh was last year. He came in, and you could see the vision, his shot, and just the way he carries himself day-to-day, that he is going to be a great pro.” — The Hockey News
- After an injury that was thought to possibly end his hockey career and derailed most of his season, Kasper Pikkarainen has signed with TPS of the Liiga. It cannot be understated how big this will be for the young winger’s development. We wish him the best of the luck and healthier times.
Kasper Pikkarainen nähdään tulevalla kaudella jälleen TPS:n paidassa – hänen aiemmin solmittu sopimuksensa jatkuu kauden 2026–2027 loppuun asti
Uutena Kasper Pikkaraisen kummiyrityksenä kaudella 2025–2026 toimii Roster! #HCTPS #Turku #Liiga pic.twitter.com/rBMlp3RKwE
— HC TPS (@HCTPS) May 7, 2025
- Dobber prospects posted this interesting update on winger Cole Brown, who it appears will suit up for Notre Dame next season. The Devils are headed into uncharted territory with the prospect, but may possibly still keep his rights. Time will tell.
His status with the New Jersey Devils is pending a league and NHLPA resolution on player expiry rights that commit to the NCAA after their junior careers. Mark Henry
Your Take
Post your thoughts below.