New Jersey Devils Make Bold Trade Move and Draft Omaha Lancers Goaltender in NHL Draft

At the 2024 NHL Draft, the New Jersey Devils made a significant trade with the Utah Hockey Club involving defenseman John Marino and future draft picks.

Rumors had been swirling about the Devils’ interest in acquiring pending free agent defenseman Brett Pesce, leading to the decision to move Marino to clear cap space.

Marino, a promising young player, was part of the trade that saw Utah receive the 49th overall pick and a future second-round pick from Edmonton.

The move indicates the Devils’ commitment to making strategic roster changes and potentially pursuing Pesce in free agency.

With the acquired draft assets, the Devils used the second round pick to select Mikhail Yegorov, a goaltender from the Omaha Lancers.

Yegorov, a Russian-born player who transitioned to the USHL, showcased his skills in a challenging season with Omaha despite the team’s struggles.

Standing at 6’5″, Yegorov impressed scouts with his ability to use his size effectively in goal and his exceptional tracking abilities.

Despite facing high shot volumes and tough situations, Yegorov demonstrated resilience and potential to excel as he continues his development in North America.

The selection of Yegorov adds a promising goaltending prospect to the Devils’ pipeline and reflects their ongoing commitment to bolstering key positions on their roster.

Overall, the trade and draft pick highlight the Devils’ proactive approach to reshaping their team and building for the future in the competitive NHL landscape.