NHL

The 2026 All About the Jersey Top 25 Under 25: Trending Upwards From 15th to 11th

October 10, 2026

The New Jersey Devils’ 2026 NHL Entry Draft haul is already showing promise, with 18-year-old defenseman Nikita Shcherbakov making a strong early impression in the KHL. Drafted 44th overall by the Devils, Shcherbakov has recorded two goals and four assists in just 14 games for Salavat Yulaev Ufa, outperforming expectations for a rookie in the league’s top tier.

His offensive contributions are notable given limited ice time—averaging around 10 minutes per game—and no power-play or penalty-killing opportunities, positioning him as a potential future standout. Meanwhile, forward Shane Lachance, a 23-year-old prospect, remains a key watch for the Devils’ NHL future despite a slower start this season.

After a brief preseason appearance with New Jersey, Lachance has struggled in 62 AHL games with Utica Comets, managing just 10 goals and 15 assists, a drop-off from his earlier collegiate success. The Devils’ rebuild continues to focus on developing young talent, with both players offering long-term potential despite mixed early returns.