New Jersey Devils Prospect Update: The Daniil Orlov Show

It’s been a mixed year for prospect development in the Devils system, but one Russian defender is rising quickly up the ranks.

Orlov’s Breakout

Thirty games into the season, Daniil Orlov has already set his KHL career high in points with 16. Drafted as a defensive defenseman, Orlov has shown flashes of offense in the seasons that followed, albeit in limit opportunities as a young defender in the KHL. Utilizing his speed, Orlov excels on the rush when given the chance. Take a look at this goal from last week.

That’s an impressive goal for someone who was once considered purely a “defensive defenseman” when he was drafted according to Elite Prospects. The Devils will have to wait on Orlov, who is signed through 2027-28. At 21-years-old, Orlov will still be in his prime years at the conclusion of that contract. Whether he ever comes over is an open question, but the timing may work out as Siegenthaler and Hamilton’s contracts both expire that season.

The Hot List

• Goaltender Jakub Malek has settled in with Adirondack of the ECHL and is 1-0-1 with a 1.91 GAA and .930 SV% in two starts.

• Winger David Rozsival is still hot, becoming the first Devils prospect to score 10 goals this season. Rozsival, a sixth round pick in this year’s draft, has 16 points in 23 games for the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL.

• Center Samu Salminen had a two-goal night on Saturday, increasing his point totals to 13 in 15 games for the University of Denver.

The Not List

• Goaltender Nico Daws gave up 10 goals in 2 games this week for Utica, losing both contests. After a sterling start, Daws has faltered recently after taking over the starting net, somewhat of a pattern in his career. Daws currently sits with a 2-7-3 record, a 2.99 GAA, and .885 SV%.

• This summer was very encouraging for winger Kaspar Pikkarainen, who early last season, seemed as if his hockey career may have been over due to a serious injury. In 20 games for TPS of the Liiga this year, Pikkarainen has two assists. Not great numbers, but at only 19-years-old, Pikkarainen still has plenty of time to develop.

• Winger Cam Squires has struggled to get a footing in Utica, playing only three games, and bouncing around between the AHL and ECHL. In Adirondack, Squires has fared better with 3 points in 8 contests, but overall, it’s been a rough adjustment for the promising winger, reminiscent of Josh Filmon’s struggles last year.

Your Take

Have something to say? Post your comments below.