Arseny Gritsyuk’s Telegram posts became part of the fun around the Devils last season, giving fans a rare look at a rookie who never seemed interested in hiding much. That openness made him stand out right away, especially for an overseas player arriving with plenty of hype and no shortage of expectations.
He didn’t arrive with the usual “maybe he’ll need time” feel, either. From training camp on, it looked like he belonged.
Gritsyuk led all Devils players with four points in five preseason games, and Sheldon Keefe used him in different spots throughout the lineup to see how he handled the job away from the puck. The forward’s skill was already obvious; what stood out was how well he held up defensively.
That all helped explain why one of Sunny Mehta’s biggest offseason decisions was re-signing Gritsyuk to a deal worth $3.25 million per season.
The Telegram side of his story was just as notable. Fans who followed along got something closer to inside access than the average team feed offers, with posts that felt direct and unfiltered without crossing any lines. The pace changed later in the season, though, as the updates became much less frequent.
Now we know why.
Gritsyuk said that when the Devils hit a slump, it was “gently hinted” (translated from Russian) that he should “stop filming the team’s life.” He didn’t identify who delivered that message, but he made clear that this was the reason the vlogs dried up.
There may still be more coming. Gritsyuk said he is considering posting more on Telegram this season, and he has already been active on the platform over the summer.
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The rumored design is said to include an unbordered red logo and subtle striping inspired by the devil tail, with an official reveal anticipated in October 2026. What remains unclear is how often New Jersey would wear it and whether the NHLs Hometown Remix program is a one-season experiment or something that sticks around beyond that first run. [Read more 🡒]
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Oilers Suddenly Have A Jesper Bratt Blockbuster To Consider
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One of the more intriguing paths would involve Jesper Bratt, whose contract and value make him one of the few players who could open real space if the Devils decided to be bold. Edmonton has surfaced as a possible trade partner, with a package that could include Isaac Howard, Trent Frederic and draft picks, but Bill Guerin has stayed quiet on Hughes' intentions beyond this season, leaving the bigger picture unsettled for now. [Read more 🡒]