Snowed in and bored and thought this would be fun. My prospect predictions/projections. Some people may not like some but these are my guesses.
Hughes:
Comes in and plays like Severson on steroids but worse defensively. Never shows the poise and decision making needed to be a number 1 defensmen. But, gradually improves his defensive game, cuts down the mistakes and turns into a solid 2-3 defensemen in the mold of a much better version of John Moore. Plays around 1000 NHL games give or take.
Nemec:
Struggles to have a significant impact at a younger age but holds his own. Role and offensive impact grows over time but doesn’t possess the high end skills to dominate and become one of the leagues best. Solid 2-3 defensemen for around 1000 games. (Still think he has elite #1 potential though)
Holtz:
Never able to find his game with the devils. Ends up elsewhere eventually (unless the devils system changes and he has a little success). Has on and off success for a period of time (2-4 seasons) but never takes off before fizzling out and ending up in the SHL. Extended version of Gusev-like NHL career in his later years. 200-400 games in the league.
Casey:
Hard to guess. Comes in hot similar to Will Butcher (maybe not as hot). Can’t maintain that long-term. Turns into a decent player who bounces between 2nd and 3rd pair guy who can run a powerplay. Maybe closer to a 2nd pair guy who doesn’t get the credit/respect he deserves. Plays 500-700 NHL games.
Mukhammadullin:
Comes over and spends a limited amount of time in Utica. Gets his shot with the Devils. Does decently in a third pair defensive role to start. Never becomes a good top 4 guy but might spend some time on the second pair. Capable but not that good of an NHL player. Hard to say how long he stays in North America and hard to predict how many games he plays. Anywhere from 100-500+ games in the NHL.
Gritsyuk:
Comes over to the NHL. Starts with the Devils. Never gets anything significant going. Role and icetime fizzles out over time. Ends up in Utica by the end of the season. Either gets another short stint with the devils or another team and then KHL or goes straight back to the KHL. 40-90 NHL games.
Stillman:
Plays a full season in Utica. Starts second season in Utica but gets a couple short NHL stints. Eventually ends up on the devils roster full time in season 3 or 4. Carves out a decent career as a 3rd/4th line guy who plays hard. Plays 400-500 games in the NHL give or take.
Vilen:
Surprise prospect. Spends some time in Utica before breaking into the Devils lineup and holding down a roster spot. Turns into a solid 2nd pair, really good third pair defensmen for a fairly long stretch. Plays 600-800 NHL games.
Filmon:
Spends time in Utica. Gets shot in NJ at some point. Might turn into a streaky middle 6 scorer for a little but lacks in other areas of the game. 50-400 NHL games depending on how good the team is and how well he produces. Could be a Sharangovich type for a while.
And some Utica guys
Okhotiuk:
Plays around 150-250 NHL games. Up and down between the Devils and Utica for a while when there’s injuries. Never locks down a spot. Gets a shot elsewhere when he’s claimed off waivers by a team looking for some grit and physicality. Plays a decent stretch there but eventually fizzles out. Somewhat small chance he has a longer career if he cleans up a few smaller aspects of his game. Even so it would likely be with another team.
Walsh:
Might get a few more call-ups and could stick for a bit with some good play. 1-80 NHL games.
Thompson:
Holds down a depth roster spot for at least a bit. 100-400 NHL games.
Clarke:
Gets called up at some point. Plays decently. Turns into a depth forward who’s a decent call-up. Could carve out a full-time role at some point. 50-300 NHL games.
Foote:
A few short call-ups. Never good enough to stick. 15-60 NHL games.
