New Jersey Devils notes: On Silayev, keeping 10th overall, and Marino watch

The Devils listened to offers but opted to keep 10th overall and add a unique player in Silayev. Plus, a few potential landing spots for Marino.

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A few New Jersey Devils thoughts following the opening round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft:

A word on Silayev

I love Zeev Buium’s game. I love his upside. I think he’s going to be an impact defender who can move the puck in all three zones, dynamically take opponents on one-on-one, defend well, and log 22+ minutes a night. I see him being a multi-time All-Star.

He is my type of player and I’d rather bet on the upside of a guy who can already do certain things – like make a real difference offensively – than someone who one day could have more inside than we’re seeing right now.

That said, I watched the tape of a couple of Silayev’s games and I can see why the Devils love the kid.

His skating ability is very impressive. He has quick feet, excellent edges/range of motion, and the ability to chew up space in a hurry.

This allows him to be active and lose forwards in the offensive zone when he wants to take a chance. More consistently, though, it comes in handy defensively.

Silayev’s skating plus reach combo is very unique. When he decides to close, he does it quickly and completely erases any space of the opposing player. He also has a big frame that – even as a teenager – allows him to lean on men, seal them off, and completely kill possessions.

Silayev’s calling card is being a fire extinguisher but he can move the puck.

In the games I watched, he was relied on heavily to get the puck out of the defensive zone. He didn’t hammer pucks off the glass and out. He didn’t throw the puck away instantly or try to defer to his partner. He showed comfortability, patience, vision, and the ability to complete some range passes – whether hitting teammates on the tape or strategically using the boards for effective bank passes in stride.

Silayev has the potential to be fantastic defensively and he can reliably move the puck up and get the transition game started.

Everyone is tossing around comparisons to Victor Hedman or Zdeno Chara. I think his game is much more similar to Jaccob Slavin.

Given the Devils’ personnel – they have plenty of risk-takers on defense and elite, elite, skill up front – I can see why they thought Silayev would be a perfect fit.

Reading the tea leaves