New Jersey Devils Prospect Update: 10/18/16

This post will recap the 2nd week of Devils prospect action for the 2016-17 season. It's highlighted by the productive play of Brandon Gignac, Michael McLeod, and Nathan Bastian in CHL action, along with Joey Anderson settling nicely in the NCAA, and Albany earning two victories to open the season.

QMJHL

Brandon Gignac continued his strong start to the season this past weekend. He had a goal, 3 assists, +1, 5 shots, and won 13/24 faceoffs against Halifax on Friday. On Sunday he had an even rating, 2 PIM, 2 shots, and won 13/25 faceoffs against Moncton. Clearly he's been enjoying the opportunity to center the 2nd line this season.

OHL

Sault Ste. Marie had 3 games last week which kept Colton White busy. The top pairing defender for the Soo had an assist, +3, 7 PIM, and 9 shots over the course of those games.

To say that Michael McLeod and Nathan Bastian had a productive week for Mississauga would be an understatement. Mississauga defeated Guelph 11-3 last Wednesday, thanks in large part to the Devils duo that comprises 2/3 of the top line. McLeod came away with a goal, 3 assists, +4, 7 shots, and won 18/30 faceoffs. Bastian had 5 assists, +3, 4 shots, and won 1/2 faceoffs. Two nights later Mississauga would fall to Flint 5-4 but McLeod still put on a solid display with 3 assists, 4 shots, and won 20/33 faceoffs. Bastian finished that game a -3, with 4 PIM and 2 shots. The next night they faced Saginaw with McLeod adding an assist, +2, 2 shots, and won 19/29 faceoffs. Bastian had the game winning goal in overtime to earn 1st star honors along with a +2, 2 shots, and won 1/3 faceoffs.

Evan Cormier started both of Saginaw's games last weekend. He lost to Kitchener on Friday, stopping 21 of 26 shots in 45:49 action before being lifted in the 3rd period. The following night he lost a competitive game to Mississauga in overtime, stopping 39 of 42 shots and earning 2nd star.

WHL

Swift Current only had one game last weekend but Colby Sissons made it count with a goal and an assist, both on the PP, against Kelowna. He'll be back in action tonight against Prince George.

NCAA

Boston College split two games against Wisconsin last weekend. JD Dudek had a goal, even rating, and 4 shots across both games. The BC line charts have listed him all over the line up this season. This past weekend he started out as 3rd line LW and finished 1st line RW.

Merrimack lost back to back games against Clarkson and St. Lawrence. Brett Seney finished the weekend with an assist, -2, 4 PIM, 2 shots, and won 6/11 faceoffs.

Minnesota Duluth split a two game set against Notre Dame. Joey Anderson had 3 assists, +1, and 2 shots in Friday's victory. He added an assist, -1, 1 shot, and won 1/2 faceoffs in a loss the following night. So far it seems he's carved out a role as the 2nd line RW for the Bulldogs.

Northeastern had a home and home against Bentley last weekend. Jeremy Davies was listed on the 2nd pair and had a +1 rating and 9 shots over the course of both games.

Europe

Yegor Rykov continued to earn consistent playing time for SKA. This past week he appeared in both of their games and finished with a +2 rating, with 2 shots, 6 blocks, and over 13:30 minutes of ice time across both games.

Mikhail Maltsev appeared for both SKA-1946 (MHL) and SKA-Neva (VHL) last week. In two games for SKA-1946 against MHC Spartak in junior action, he had 3 assists, +1, 4 shots, and won 26/46 faceoffs. In a game for SKA-Neva against Rubin, he had a -1, 1 shot, won 5/9 faceoffs, and logged 9:39 in ice time. I'd expect to see him keep moving back and forth between these two teams to maximize his ice time during lulls in the schedule.

Jesper Bratt played in all 3 of AIK's games last week. He was held off the scoresheet in 13:00 minutes against Mora IK on Wednesday. He scored a goal and finished with a +1 and 2 shots in 15:17 of ice time against VIK Hockey on Friday. He wrapped up his week with an assist and shot in 17:52 of ice time against Tingsryds AIF on Sunday.

AHL

Albany opened up their 2016-17 season by winning back to back games over Providence and St. John's respectively. This puts them in an early 3 way tie for 1st in the North Division with Syracuse and Toronto. Albany's all situation PDO is 115.50%. The PP is currently operating at 20.00% while the PK is at 88.89%.

Friday 10/14: Albany opened up their season with a 3-1 victory over Providence. Ben Thomson, John Quenneville, and Blake Pietila had the goals in the 1st period. Carter Camper had 2 assists followed by Rod Pelley, Ben Sexton, Nick Lappin, and Brandon Gormley with one each. Scott Wedgewood made 31 saves on 32 shots as the Devils were outshot 32-18. Albany went 1/2 on the PP and 6/6 on the PK. Here is the gamesheet.

Saturday 10/15: Albany defeated St. John's 5-2. John Quenneville, Kevin Rooney, Ben Thomson, Blake Pietila, and Max Novak had the goals. Ryan Kujawinski had 2 assists followed by Reece Scarlett, Brandon Gormley, Rod Pelley, Ben Sexton, Joe Blandisi, Blake Coleman, and Scott Wedgewood with one each. Wedgewood made 20 saves on 22 shots as the Devils were outshot 22-20. Seth Helgeson had one fighting major while Andrew MacWilliam had two which earned him a game misconduct. Albany went 0/3 on the PP and 2/3 on the PK. Here is the gamesheet.

The Captains: Albany officially announced that Rod Pelley will once again captain the team. Carter Camper and Reece Scarlett will wear the A's at home while Seth Helgeson and Andrew MacWilliam get the A's on the road.

Coming Up: Albany will have their first "three in three" of the season when they take on Binghamton, Utica, and Providence this weekend. It will be a good chance for some of the players that haven't been in the line up to get a chance to make a strong impression.

Prospect of the Week

Michael McLeod picks up this week's honors after putting up a goal and 7 assists in 3 games to go along with 13 shots and winning 61.96% of his faceoffs. The playmaking center is already tied for the team lead in points (11) despite playing in just 6 games so far this season. He also leads the team in assists (10) and is second in shots (26).

ADevil of the Week

Scott Wedgewood enjoyed a breakout 2015-16 season and will look to build upon that effort. So far, so good. He was very solid on opening night with 31 saves on 32 shots against Providence to earn his first Quality Start of the season. He wasn't as busy the following night but turned away 20 of 22 shots by St. John's which is never an easy task for a goaltender playing on a second straight night. Hopefully he can keep performing well to prove that last year wasn't a fluke and that he is developing into a solid professional netminder that can challenge for Keith Kinkaid's spot in New Jersey.

Your Take

Which of these prospects stood out to you this past week? What are you hoping to see going forward? Leave your comments below and thank you for reading!