This could be a significant season for Devils prospects jumping into the NHL. Today we look at three forwards not named Gritsyuk who may see their debuts.
After signing this offseason, Arseny Gritsyuk is as about as much a lock for the Devils roster as any prospect in recent memory. Who else might see significant time with the big club after making their debut this season? Let’s take a look at three forwards.
Lenni Hameenaho
Even as a 20-year-old right winger drafted by the Devils in the 2nd round in 2023, is arguably the most accomplished of the three on this list. Hameenaho has been a mainstay for Assat in the Liiga for three seasons now, with a boost in production to 20 goals and 51 points in 58 games last campaign. Dobber’s PNHLe model projects Hameenaho’s future as a potential top line forward when he hits his prime with a PNHLe of 72. Projections should always be taken with a grain of salt, but given his success in the Liiga at such a young age, it’s clear that Hameenaho has a high floor and a high ceiling.
What kind of adjustment will Hameenaho need once he comes over? That remains to be seen. Hameenaho could certainly make a push for a roster spot out of camp, especially if someone goes down with an injury. However, even if Hameenaho starts the season in Utica, it likely won’t be long until Devils fans see him in New Jersey.
Shane LaChance
At 6’4’’ Shane LaChance has the chance to become the power forward in the Devils lineup that Nolan Foote, for whatever reason, never did. Dobber’s PNHLe model projects the 21-year-old winger as a player with future 2nd line potential with a PNHLe of 40 after 30 points in 40 games last year for Boston University. LaChance added two points (including his first goal) in his first two games for the Utica Comets, indicating that the power winger is ready for AHL action.
Barring a fantastic camp, Utica is likely where LaChance will start this season. However, LaChance gives the Devils a look not too many other player or prospects in the system can provide. So, with continued improvement in the AHL, it’s not hard to imagine LaChance joining the team sometime mid-season.
Cam Squires
Another 20-year-old, the 4th round selected winger in 2023, Cam Squires has been a dominant player for Cape Breton Eagles of the QMJHL ever since draft day, eclipsing the 70 point mark two seasons in a row including 75 points last season in only 58 games. Dobber’s PNHLe model projects Squires as having the potential to be a future 2nd line forward with a PNHLe of 54. While that may be the winger’s ceiling, Squires’s steady two-way play raises his floor to someone very likely to at least play some NHL games in his career.
A little more seasoning would likely do Squires good in the longterm, especially in the defensive zone. If Squires can elevate his two-way game at the highest levels, he could be in for a very long career. Although a very small sample, his four points in three games for the Comets at the end of last season already shows that his offense is capable of popping at the AHL level. Devils fans should be excited about his longterm possibilities if his defensive game develops as strongly.
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