The NHL draft is a time of great anticipation and speculation, and the New Jersey Devils' selection of Anton Silayev has certainly sparked excitement and intrigue. At first glance, Silayev's size and skill set are reminiscent of a certain Hall of Famer, but the Devils' head scout, Mark Denehey, is quick to point out the differences. While Silayev may not be the next Zdeno Chara, his potential is undeniable, and the Devils are eager to develop him into a top-pair NHL defenseman.
Silayev's journey to the NHL has been an interesting one. After being projected as a top-three pick, he fell to the 10th overall pick, and the Devils seized the opportunity. The team's Russian scouts had been keeping an eye on Silayev for some time, and his size and speed were exactly what the organization was looking for. Silayev's draft year mirrored his post-draft season, with two goals and 12 points in 63 games.
However, Silayev's production and ice time dropped in the 2025-26 season, and the Devils noticed the shift in deployment. Despite this, Denehey believes that Silayev's early adversity could help him in the long run. The Devils are confident in their development model and are eager to guide Silayev's growth, with a focus on his skating and athleticism.
Silayev's size and skill set are certainly impressive, and his ability to skate at his size is what excites the Devils. While comparisons to Chara may be premature, Silayev's potential is undeniable, and the team is confident in their ability to develop him into a top-pair NHL defenseman. The future is bright for Silayev, and the Devils are excited to have him fully under their wing.
In my opinion, the Devils' selection of Silayev is a smart move, and the team's confidence in their development model is refreshing. While Silayev's early adversity may have been a setback, it could also be a turning point in his career. The Devils' focus on his skating and athleticism is a smart strategy, and I am eager to see how Silayev develops under their guidance. The future is bright for Silayev, and the NHL world is watching with great interest.
