Hockey is here! Rookie hockey is definitely better than no hockey.

There is not much you can really tell by two rookie challenge games but here are some quick takeaways;

Top line of Mercer/Holtz and Foote looks good. 3 goals and 4 assists combined vs Boston is a great stat line. They look like a unit in the second game playing together.

Mercer has impressed and stood out giving him an edge going into next week. Amanda Stein of the Devils has been vocal over the last few weeks about Mercer and his ability to make the team.

Holtz has also shown why the Devils picked him. What stood out is his ability to shoot from almost anywhere quick and accurate. Getting quality shots on net has been something the Devils have had a hard time with. Good things happen when you get shots on net.
Based on post game interviews it looks like Mercer and Holtz are developing some nice chemistry on and off the ice. Another added bonus for the duo.

Daws had a good game. The goalie pipeline is something the Devils need to build and Daws has a chance to stand out. Translating his game to North America will be the work he will focus on.

Okhotiuk also caught my attention with strong tough hard nose hockey, again an ingredient the Devils need (I am hoping Nolan Foote could also bring some of the to the ice)

Next up, full training camp when the vets show up on Wednesday. The rookies will get a taste of big boy hockey. Will be very interesting to see how they transition to a faster and tougher brand of hockey.

PTO invites Frederick Gauthier, Mark Jankowski, Jimmy Vesey and Tyler Witherspoon will also get a chance in the mix. Quite frankly hard to see where they wold fit in, especially if a few rookies make a good case to stick. Yes, we will need depth in this COVID world.
If I were to pick one to be around, Jankowski would be my pick as a depth player on a two way contract.

Wednesday cant come soon enough. Enjoy the highlight...

Dawson Mercer’s goal, the first goal of the 21-22 #NJDevils season: pic.twitter.com/QYVm2KLEJT

— Dan Rice (@DRiceHockey) September 19, 2021

Truly yours,
The Devils Advocate

Join the Discussion: » 16 Comments » Post New Comment

» Which player has the most pressure in camp?

» Zajac retires... as a Devil!

» Five Questions facing the Devils - Woo & The Advocate Edition. *Updated*

» Devils Pipeline Battle - Who cracks the lineup?

» How did the Devils do? Dougie's contract