Corey Pronman details what to expect from the New Jersey Devils’ new prospects and how they fit into the farm system.

2023 Draft Grade: C

New Jersey had to wait until 58 to make a selection, and I don’t think there’s a guy in this group I think will likely be an NHL player. Lenni Hameenaho and Daniil Karpovich I think have good chances.

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Draft Class

58. Lenni Hameenaho, RW, ASSAT (FINLAND)

November 7, 2004 | 6′ 1″ | 185 pounds

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Background: Hameenaho played a significant role on his Liiga club, including scoring 4 points in 8 Liiga playoff games, and was part of Finland’s world juniors team this season

Analysis: Hameenaho is a well-rounded winger who doesn’t stand out at any one thing. Hameenaho has good pace and skill in his game, showing he can generate controlled entries versus men. He can create chances for himself and his teammates with his skill. He has a good shot too and can score from the dots. Hameenaho isn’t an overly-physical player and has an average frame, but his work ethic is good enough, as I’ve seen him pressure well on the backcheck and win battles versus bigger players. He could be a bottom-six wing.

122. Cam Squires, RW, CAPE BRETON (QMJHL)

April 11, 2005 | 6′ 0″ | 165 pounds

Analysis: Cam Squires has excellent puck skills. He can make a lot of crafty small-area plays with the puck. He also has a good shot and can score goals from range. His skating isn’t great though, he lacks the quick twitch in his lower half for the higher levels. I’d also like to see more consistent playmaking for an offensive-minded guy.

154. Chase Cheslock, RHD, ROGERS (HIGH-MN)

October 25, 2004 | 6′ 3″ | 208 pounds

Analysis: Cheslock is a tall defenseman who played fairly well at various levels between high school and junior this season and even got a game with the U.S. NTDP. He shows flashes of offensive skill, but I would call him a highly inconsistent puck-mover. He skates well enough for a big man, but I also wouldn’t describe him as overly mobile, although some NHL scouts describe his skating as an asset. With his size, his good-enough compete and defensive sense, he can make stops, and he played heavy minutes in the USHL. I think he could be a good college player and possibly a solid pro, but whether there’s enough standout traits — aside from his frame — for him to play in the NHL is something I’m not sold on yet.

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164. Cole Brown, LW, HAMILTON (OHL)

April 27, 2005 | 6′ 2″ | 178 pounds

Analysis: Brown didn’t score in huge numbers this year in the OHL, but I think he has intriguing skill and hockey sense, especially for a big winger. His skating isn’t the best though, and overall he could stand to be more consistent a player.

186. Daniil Karpovich, LHD, YEKATERINBURG JR. (RUSSIA-JR.)

December 6, 2004 | 6′ 3″ | 209 pounds

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Below NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Background: Karpovich was the top defenseman for his Russian junior club Avto this season. He was a finalist for rookie of the year in Russia’s top junior league. He represented Belarus in international play. The prior season he played a limited role on Belarus’ U20 team that won promotion to the WJC A pool before they were banned from IIHF competitions.

Analysis: Karpovich has an NHL defenseman toolkit. He’s 6-foot-3, over 200 pounds already and skates like a pro. He has the mobility to escape pressure and turn pucks up ice at a high level. His defending is solid due to his reach and feet on top of having some physicality in his game. With his club he showed playmaking and offense, including a hard point shot. He played in the worst division in the MHL though so there is some questions on whether that offense will translate to better competition. If it does, he could be a quality pro but there is a lot of risk on his projection too.

(Top photo: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)

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