The Devils went 2-1 in the mini-tournament. In this post, we summarize who impressed the most.
Forwards
Shane LaChance was one of the stars of the challenge, showing off his smooth hands around the net with two goals and an assist in two games. A third goal was waived off. LaChance has a glut of forwards to compete with for a full time job with the Devils. LaChance still needs to work on his skating, but it’s not hard to imagine him having a long career as a fourth line grinder and netmouth presence on the power play.
While mostly quiet in the first and third games, Winger Lenni Hameenaho had some big moments in the middle contest, including a dump and go with Shane Lachance that led to his first goal of the tournament. Matyas Melovsky had a similar tournament, waiting until the third game to shine with two goals, including one snipe after beating a couple of Bruins defenders. Other notable winger prospect Cam Squires chipped in a few assists and a fight in the three games and looks to have filled out a bit in his frame this year.
One of the biggest surprises of the tournament was undrafted winger Nathan Lecompte. The 18-year-old scored four times in three games, at least once in each, and had many other opportunities. Another surprise, Brian Carrabes had a great tournament as well, utilizing his speed to break to the net for a highlight reel goal. Carrabes is signed by the Thunder, but may earn some time with the Comets if his play continues. Similar situated, Tag Bertuzzi had a three assist game against Columbus.
Defenders
Unsurprisingly, Seamus Casey was dynamic in the two games he played, pairing with Ethan Edwards, who also had a strong tournament, not only by adding a few assists, but playing steady, physical and well-positioned defense. Edwards particularly rose his profile with his play. Expect to see the pair earn more minutes together in Utica when Casey is not with the big club. Lastly, Mikael Diotte showed why he earned his contract with a two-goal, one assist effort early in the first contest. It was an encouraging sign as Diotte spent most of the last season injured.
Goalies
Jakub Malek was a beast in net in the second game, stopping several breakaways and high danger chances in a tight game and only surrendering a thrice-screened goal and a deflection. In the first game, Tyler Brennan similarly played well, but was less tested in a 8-2 drubbing of Columbus. Lastly, newly drafted Tristan Bennett looked shaky, bobbling pucks and giving up a few goals that he would probably want back in the loss to the Bruins, but I would not make too much of this as this was Bennett’s first taste of action against higher level players. The giant goaltender will have a chance to grow in the NCAA at St. Lawrence.
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