NCAA Hockey Loaded With 10 Devils Prospects in 2022-23

The 2022-23 NCAA season will see 10 New Jersey Devils compete. This group features 3 forwards, 6 defensemen, and a goaltender spread out across the Big Ten, Hockey East, and Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). This group is highlighted by defenseman Luke Hughes for the University of Michigan. This post will take a look at the prospects playing college hockey and what the upcoming season could hold for them.

Big Ten

The Big Ten has 4 Devils prospects across Michigan and Michigan State. Defensemen Luke Hughes, Ethan Edwards, and Seamus Casey will suit up for Michigan while defenseman Viktor Hurtig will play for Michigan State.

Before discussing Hughes, Edwards, and Casey, it’s worth noting that Michigan will see some turnover on their blue line this season. Highly regarded prospect Owen Power has already moved on to sign and play for the Buffalo Sabres and captain Nick Blankenburg has graduated and signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Jack Summers who has been a depth defender the past 4 seasons has also graduated. There are a few returning defenders in Keaton Pehrson, Jay Keranen, and Steve Holtz but they figure to be used as depth. Joining Casey as new additions to the blue line are Luca Fantilli, John Druskinis, and Brendan Miles. Fantilli figures to provide the most competition for playing time despite being an undersized defenseman that turns 20 years old at the end of December. He has spent the past 2 seasons with the acclaimed Chicago Steel team in the United States Hockey League (USHL) and was captain of the team last season. Druskinis is another USHL product who had 8 points and 159 penalty minutes in 53 games last season for the Tri-City Storm. Miles is a player that has developed at a step below the USHL in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) over the past 2 seasons. Brandon Naurato is taking over as Head Coach for Michigan and it will be interesting to see how he deploys these players.

Luke Hughes, the 4th overall selection in the 2021 draft, is set to return to Michigan for his sophomore season. Last year, he led all NCAA defensemen in goals and points by posting 17 goals and 22 assists for 39 points in 41 games. His offensive production and consistency held up well historically as he had the 3rd most points (39) and points per game rate (0.95) among draft+1 year defenders in NCAA history (minimum 40 GP). He accomplished this while playing on the right side of the 2nd pairing with sophomore Jacob Truscott. Right now…