New Jersey Devils Prospect Update: 2/14/17

This post will recap the 19th week of Devils prospect action for the 2016-17 season. It's highlighted by Michael McLeod's strong play, Alexander Kerfoot and Harvard capturing the Beanpot, and Albany's crazy week.

QMJHL

Brandon Gignac had 2 goals, an even rating, 4 PIM, 5 shots, and won 57.45% of his faceoffs over the course of 3 games for Shawinigan last week.

OHL

Blake Speers had 3 goals, an assist, +3, 11 shots, and won 58.82% of his faceoffs across 3 games for Sault Ste. Marie. His teammate, Colton White, had a goal, 2 assists, +2, and 5 shots during that stretch.

Michael McLeod had 2 goals, 4 assists, +1, 5 shots, and won 67.57% of his faceoffs over the course of 3 games for Mississauga last week. Nathan Bastian is expected to return from his knee injury this week.

Evan Cormier lost both of his starts last week for Saginaw. He made 21 saves on 24 shots against Sault Ste. Marie on Wednesday and then made 28 saves on 31 shots against Mississauga on Sunday.

WHL

Colby Sissons had a +2 rating across 3 games for Swift Current last week.

NCAA

Alexander Kerfoot had an assist, +3, 4 shots, and won 4/16 faceoffs against Union on Friday. He led Harvard to a Beanpot Championship against Boston University on Monday with a goal, +2, 7 shots, and won 9/19 faceoffs.

JD Dudek was a -1 with 2 PIM and 4 shots across 2 games for Boston College last week.

Brett Seney had 3 assists with a +3 and 2 shots in Merrimack's victory over Boston College on Friday.

Joey Anderson and Minnesota Duluth were off this past week.

Jeremy Davies was a -1 with 2 PIM and 2 shots in 2 games for Northeastern last week.

Europe

Yegor Rykov represented Russia at the 2017 Sweden Hockey Games from 2/9-2/12. According to Mike Morreale, he was named the Best Defenseman of the tournament.

Mikhail Maltsev helped SKA-Neva to a 3-0 win over Sokol with an assist, +2, 4 shots, and won 8/11 faceoffs in 13:19.

Jesper Bratt represented Sweden at the U19 5 Nations Tournament in Switzerland from 2/7-2/11. He played in 4 games and had 2 goals, 3 assists, -1, 0 PIM, and 16 shots.

AHL

Albany went 2-2 last week and currently sit 2nd in the North Division with 58 points after 51 games. Their all situation PDO is currently 99.42%. They currently have a Shots For% of 51.93%. The PP is currently operating at 17.84% which is 15th in the league, while the PK is at 84.38% which is 7th in the league.

Injury Update: Scott Wedgewood (shoulder) remains sidelined.

Transactions: Karl Stollery and Joe Blandisi were returned to Albany on 2/7. J.P. Anderson was released from his PTO on 2/8. Joe Blandisi was recalled by New Jersey on 2/11.

Tuesday 2/7: Albany lost to Providence 4-1. Vojtech Mozik the Devils goal on the PP with Nick Lappin and Carter Camper earning an assist each. Mozik had 4 shots as the Devils were outshot 26-20 by the Bruins. Ken Appleby made 22 saves on 25 shots. Albany went 1/3 on the PP and 1/3 on the PK. Here is the gamesheet.

Friday 2/10: Albany defeated Rochester 3-2. Ben Thomson, Karl Stollery, and Nick Lappin had the goals. John Quenneville had 2 assists while Luke Gazdic, Stollery, Vojtech Mozik, and Carter Camper had an assist each. Blake Coleman had 6 shots as the Devils outshot the Americans 35-30. Ken Appleby made 28 saves. Albany went 1/3 on the PP and 5/5 on the PK. Here is the gamesheet.

Saturday 2/11: Albany defeated Toronto 5-4 in overtime. Jan Mandat and Ben Sexton had 2 goals followed by Petr Straka with the other one in regulation. Yohann Auvitu had the game winning goal in overtime. Blake Coleman and Nick Lappin had 2 assists followed by John Quenneville, Kevin Rooney, Vojtech Mozik, Straka, and Jacob MacDonald with one each. Auvitu had 6 shots followed by Sexton with 5 as the Devils outshot the Marlies 45-37. Albany went 1/6 on the PP and 3/3 on the PK. Here is the gamesheet.

Sunday 2/12: Albany lost to Toronto 6-2. Carter Camper and Reece Scarlett had the goals for Albany. Josh Jacobs, Nick Lappin, and Jacob MacDonald earned an assist each. Blake Coleman and Brian Gibbons had 5 shots each as the Devils outshot the Marlies 33-31. Ken Appleby made 25 saves. Albany went 1/7 on the PP and 5/6 on the PK. Here is the gamesheet.

Coming Up: Albany has another busy week coming up, taking on Syracuse tomorrow, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Friday, Bridgeport on Saturday, and Utica on Monday.

ECHL

Brandon Baddock had an even rating and 6 shots in his only appearance for Adirondack last week.

Prospect of the Week

Michael McLeod earns this week's honors after posting 2 goals, 4 assists, 5 shots, and winning 67.57% of his faceoffs in 3 games last week. He now has 17 points over his last 9 games and is 2nd on Mississauga in scoring with 51 points in 42 games. He leads his team in assists with 35 which ranks him tied for 21st in the OHL. He's continued to impress with his blazing speed which he uses to exit and enter zones effectively and his quality vision which helps him create plays for his teammates. One concern I do have about his game is how will it translate to the professional level when he's facing stronger, faster defenders. Regardless, he's a high quality prospect and will have plenty of time to keep rounding out his overall game to compliment his standout skills.

ADevil of the Week

Vojtech Mozik earns this week's honors after adding a goal, 2 assists, +1, and 11 shots over the course of 4 games last week. He now has 1 point in 4 of his past 5 games and has been consistently getting involved at both ends of the rink.

Your Take

Which players stood out to you this past week? What are your thoughts on Kerfoot as a prospect? Leave your comments below and thank you for reading!