New Jersey’s prospect pipeline took a hit this week with word that Daniil Orlov is likely done for the season after back surgery stemming from injuries suffered in a training accident.
The 22-year-old defenseman had been rolling toward his best year, putting up 11 points in 20 games before the setback. Orlov remains under contract with Spartak Moskva for one more season, which at least gives the Devils a full year next season to watch how he comes back before making any move to bring him over.
It’s a tough break for a player who had started to build real momentum, and it also adds to a rough stretch for the organization’s Russian defense prospects. Nikita Shcherbakov and Artyom Barabosha have both also missed time because of injuries.
Elsewhere in the system, the Utica Comets kept winning. On Friday night, they handled the Syracuse Crunch 5-2 behind a two-goal night from Gabe Klassen, who moved to 5 goals on the season. Matyas Melovsky, back from injury, picked up an assist on Lenni Hameenaho’s fifth goal of the year, while David Rittich turned aside 24 of 26 shots.
Utica came right back Saturday and beat Rochester 4-1. Stefan Noesen scored his first goal as a Comet into an empty net and added two assists, while Melovsky kept his recent run going with a power-play tip for his own goal.
He now has 5 points in 6 games this season. Colin White and Xavier Parent each finished with two points as well, and Jakub Malek earned the win by stopping 17 of 18 shots.
Malek is now 3-1 with a 1.73 GAA and .900 SV%.
With the back-to-back wins, the Comets sat at 8-2 and owned the AHL’s best winning percentage at .800. They were still third in the North because they had four games in hand on both Laval and Toronto. Their next game is Tuesday night against the Penguins.
There was also a little buzz around Anton Silaev, and the note there was simple: enjoy this effortless reach and chip to break up the Rochester power play.
And one more bright spot: Mikhail Yegorov delivered another strong start for Boston University. Kid is going places.
In Other News...
Devils May Face A Brutal Price To Chase Quinn Hughes
The idea of the Devils going after Quinn Hughes has the kind of appeal that naturally follows a team looking to strengthen its blue line, especially when a proven defenseman is the name at the center of the conversation. The speculation points to a deal built around players and draft picks, which is exactly the sort of package that can make a contender pause, even before any real talks get serious.
For New Jersey, the attraction is obvious: Hughes would fit the kind of high-end defensive upgrade that changes the look of a roster. But the cost is where the story gets complicated, because any pursuit would likely require parting with meaningful pieces the Devils would rather keep. For now, it remains a hypothetical worth watching, with no confirmed trade or official negotiation to point to yet. [Read more 🡒]
Devils Let A Winnable Game Slip Away In Frustrating Loss
Dawson Mercer gave the Devils a lift with two goals, including the game-winner, but it was Winnipeg leaving with the points after a 4-2 result that felt there for New Jersey to take. Jesper Bratt and Cody Glass also found the net for the Devils, yet the offense never quite turned a solid start into the kind of finish that usually decides these tight games.
Kyle Connor matched Mercer with two goals of his own for the Jets, and Winnipegs ability to answer kept New Jersey from ever fully pulling away. The loss drops the Devils to 13-6-0, a reminder that even in a strong start to the season, missed chances can turn a winnable night into a frustrating one. [Read more 🡒]
Devils Make Another Big Decision After That Shutout Loss In Toronto
The Devils have steadied themselves with five straight wins, a run that has pushed them up the Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference standings and helped turn the page after a rough night in Toronto. Even with the momentum, the team is still managing its roster carefully, and that includes a major call in goal for the upcoming meeting with the Winnipeg Jets.
General manager Sunny Mehta and coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed the club will not start Connor Hellebuyck against his former team, despite his desire to play. New Jersey also recalled Riley Tufte from the Utica Comets after Anthony Mantha was injured, while Jack Hughes picked up another bit of recognition by being named the NHL's second star of the week after a strong offensive stretch. [Read more 🡒]