New Jersey Devils College Prospect Roundup

The New Jersey Devils have eight prospects playing at the college level this season. In the seven exhibition games played by these young prospects each team won their respective match. It will be interesting to follow some of the youngest Devils' prospects throughout their seasons, so let's take a look at their first week of play. Each game was just an exhibition match - the regular season starts today.

CCHA

Jon Merrill:

It was a tough game for Merrill. Although his team won 7-3 and his projected defensive partner for the season, Jacob Trouba racked up three assists Merrill was held without a point. This was mostly due to an extremely unfortunate circumstance, though. During the beginning of the second period, Merrill crashed into the boards awkwardly and did not return to the game. According to Tom Gulitti of Fire and Ice, Lou Lamoriello said he sustained a fracture and will be out for six weeks. He is currently wearing a neck brace but does not need surgery, just time to heal. Michael Spath of www.TheWolverine.com tweeted that Michigan head coach Red Berenson said Merrill has a cracked vertebrae but will be back sometime this year. Hopefully he will heal up quickly and we can see Merrill back in action sooner rather than later.

It is also worth noting that Merrill was chosen to be on the All-CCHA Preseason First Team. He was the lone selection for the first team from Michigan. This will be his second year chosen. He was also selected last year but was not able to participate last year due to his team suspension.

Blake Coleman:

Coleman scored on a 5-minute major power play for Miami during the third period giving them their final goal of the game which finished off a 6-2 win over Western Ontario. He also took two penalties during the game - the first was two minutes for roughing during the second period and the second was two for cross-checking in the third. He seems to be a gritty power forward that could be very exciting to watch in the future.

Curtis Gedig:

The Ohio State defensemen didn't have a noticeable impact in the Buckeyes 3-2 overtime win over Waterloo. He was held to just one shot throughout the game but he isn't necessarily valued for his offensive play. Hopefully I will get more on him as the season progresses.

WCHA

Blake Pietila:

Pietila had the most successful exhibition game this week. He scored a goal and added an assist in Michigan's 6-2 win over Brock. He scored the opening goal of the game less than ten minutes into the first period and set his team in the right direction. Hopefully he keeps up with his offensive output to go along with his physical style of play.

Derek Rodwell:

Rodwell missed most of last season because of a shoulder injury. He made his return in a 5-3 win over the University of Manitoba on October 6. Although Rodwell was kept off of the score sheet, he was in the penalty box for four minutes - two for hooking and two for tripping. He will have an extra week to get back into form as UND has one more exhibition game before their regular season starts.

Seth Helgeson:

The University of Minnesota demolished Lethbridge with a convincing 7-0 win on October 6. The senior defenseman Helgeson tallied an assist in the second period on the third goal of the game. The senior Golden Gopher is seen as a stay-at-home defensemen with his highest point production being 14 last season, so any points he puts up are a nice bonus.

Joe Faust:

The University of Wisconsin Badgers won 5-0 against the US Under-18 Team on October 6. Faust was kept off of the scoresheet but he did get a penalty for holding in the first period.

Patrick Daly:

I have no update on Patrick Daly. He is not on any college roster at the moment. It was reported that Daly transferred from Wisconsin to St. Thomas, a D-3 school in St. Paul over the summer, but his name is not on the St. Thomas roster online. If he does end up playing there, his season will not begin until October 26. I will update you if I learn anything more on him.

That is the update for the New Jersey Devils College Prospects. They are some of the youngest men in the group, so they are still developing a great deal. It will be interesting to see how they grow throughout the season. Who are you looking forward to watching the most? There will be some games broadcasted on NBCSN this season featuring our Devils' prospects. I will remind you when those come up.