New Jersey Devils Prospect Update: 4/9/19

The 26th week of the 2018-19 prospect update is here. It’s highlighted by Jocktan Chainey, Mitchell Hoelscher, and Ty Smith contributing to their respective teams playoff success in the CHL, Jeremy Davies signing an ELC with the New Jersey Devils, Akira Schmid continue to dominate in the USHL, Eetu Pakkila become a champion in the Jr. A SM-liiga, and Gilles Senn help HC Davos avoid relegation in the NLA.

QMJHL

Jocktan Chainey found his goal scoring touch at the right time for Halifax. Last Tuesday, he helped #1 Halifax to a 3-1 victory over #8 Quebec in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series with a goal, +1, and 2 shots. His 2nd period goal in that game would prove to be the game winning goal (see first tweet below). So far in their Eastern Conference Semifinal series against #7 Moncton, Chainey has put up a goal, -2, and 2 shots as Halifax has opened up a 2-0 series lead. His 2nd period goal in Game 2 of that series ended up being the game winning goal (see second tweet below).

Playoff Stats: 9 GP 2-1-3, +2, 4 PIM, 16.7 SH%, 1.3 SH/GP

Xavier Bernard Final Playoff Stats: 6 GP 0-1-1, -3, 8 PIM, 0.0 SH%, 1.0 SH/GP

Jeremy Groleau made his professional debut on Saturday for the Binghamton Devils. Through 2 games he has no points, -2, 0 PIM, and 2 shots. Binghamton has 3 games left this upcoming weekend before their season comes to an end.

Final Playoff Stats: 4 GP 0-1-1, E, 4 PIM, 0.0 SH%, 1.75 SH/GP

OHL

Mitchell Hoelscher has helped #1 Ottawa to a 2-0 series lead over #4 Sudbury in the their Eastern Conference Semifinal series. Over the opening 2 games this past week, Hoelscher has 2 assists, +5, 6 shots, and won 54.3% of his faceoffs. You can see his assist from Game 2 of the series in the tweet below, where he creates a turnover and odd man rush for his team.

Playoff Stats: 6 GP 3-3-6, +9, 0 PIM, 23.1 SH%, 2.2 SH/GP, 54.5 FO%

WHL

Ty Smith has been critical in helping #U2 Spokane jump out to a 2-0 series lead over #U1 Everett in their Western Conference Semifinal series. Over the opening 2 games of the series this past week, Smith has 2 PP assists, +4, 4 PIM, and 3 shots. You can check out both of his assists in the tweets below.

Playoff Stats: 7 GP 1-4-5, +6, 4 PIM, 5.0 SH%, 2.9 SH/GP

NCAA

As I’m sure everyone knows by now, Jeremy Davies is officially a New Jersey Devil. He agreed to a two-year, entry level contract that beings with the 2019-20 season last Wednesday. He got a glimpse into the pro experience by practicing and hanging around with the team during their final trip of the season. If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend checking out Mike’s interview with Mike Davis of the Northeastern Hockey Blog from this past Friday. You’ll get to know a lot more about Jeremy Davies in the seven question interview.

USHL/NAHL

Akira Schmid continued to be a bright spot in a tough season for the Omaha Lancers. On Friday he made 30 saves on 32 shots in a loss to Des Moines. On Saturday he made 36 saves on 39 shots in a loss to Waterloo. Omaha was eliminated from playoff contention when Sioux City won on Friday and will wrap up their season this upcoming weekend. Schmid continues to lead USHL goaltenders with a .928 SV% and with 2 more Quality Starts this past weekend, now has an impressive 71.43 Quality Start%.

Russia

KHL

VHL

MHL

Mikhail Maltsev was a -1 with 4 shots and 43.2 FO% while playing between 11:40 and 15:28 across 3 games last week. #2 SKA is tied with #1 CSKA in the Western Conference Finals. The winner of today’s Game 7 will take on the #4 seed from the Eastern Conference, Avangard, in the Gagarin Cup Finals.

Playoff Stats: 16 GP 1-2-3, -5, 6 PIM, 3.0 SH%, 2.1 SH/GP, 55.0 FO%, 11:37 ATOI

Yegor Zaitsev Final Playoff Stats: 11 GP 2-0-2, -1, 4 PIM, 25.0 SH%, 0.7 SH/GP, 12:22 ATOI

A quick check in on Nikita Popugaev since moving to the Binghamton Devils: 17 GP 3-2-5, -9, 2 PIM, 15.8 SH%, 1.1 SH/GP

Sweden & Finland

Jesper Boqvist will hopefully be a member of Sweden’s team at the World Hockey Championship from 5/10 to 5/26 in Slovakia.

Fabian Zetterlund is out for the season due to knee surgery. Färjestad BK has pushed on well without him and is currently tied 1-1 in the league Semifinals.

Eetu Pakkila is a Jr. A SM-liiga Champion as Kärpät U20 swept Blues U20 3-0 in the finals. Over the final 2 games last week Pakkila had an even rating, 8 shots, and an average ice time of 16:56. This caps off an impressive season for Pakkila who was named to the Jr. A SM-liiga First All-Star Team and won the Arto Javanainen Award for Most Goals (38). Hopefully he can challenge himself at a higher level next season whether that is the SM-liiga or one of the CHL leagues.

Playoff Stats: 11 GP 3-2-5, -1, 2 PIM, 4.5 SH%, 6.0 SH/GP, 18:35 ATOI

Switzerland

Gilles Senn helped HC Davos avoid relegation by winning the final 2 games of the Relegation Playout Final against SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers. On Tuesday he made 34 saves on 37 shots in a 5-3 victory. On Thursday he made 32 saves on 33 shots in a 3-1 victory as HC Davos clinched safety with a 4-1 series win. Senn just played out the final season of his deal with HC Davos and at age 23 could very well make the move to North America for next season. It was a tough season for him with Davos as he had to split time with Anders Lindback who was the main option in net. Lindback is also out of contract but HC Davos has already brought in 24 year old goaltender Sandro Aeschlimann from EV Zug for next season. HC Davos is also rumored to be interested in signing soon to be 22 year old Joren van Pottelberghe to an extension as he just completed two loan stints this past season. It appears unlikely we see Senn back with HC Davos and I would be on him coming over to try to make it in North America.

Your Take

Which prospects stood out to you this week? How do you feel about the play of Jocktan Chainey, Mitchell Hoelscher, and Ty Smith as they help their respective CHL teams in the playoffs? What are your expectations for Jeremy Davies next season and beyond? Leave your comments below and thank you for reading!