Silayev focused on making sizable impact as defenseman for Devils
A highly mobile prospect, standing tall at 6-foot-7 and weighing 207 pounds, possesses the qualities of being an extraordinary player in the NHL.
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NEWARK, N.J. — Anton Silayev had just one shiny object on his mind after being selected by the New Jersey Devils with the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft at Sphere in Las Vegas on June 28.
When asked about his aspirations, the 18-year-old defenseman confidently stated that his ultimate goal is to win the Stanley Cup.
The Devils are delighted to hear that the left-handed shot with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod of the Kontinental Hockey League is determined to succeed, even if it may appear a little early to make such predictions.
Mark Dennehy, the chief of amateur scouting for New Jersey, expressed his excitement over the player falling into their hands. He highlighted the player’s impressive height of 6-foot-7 and graceful skating abilities, comparing them to a ballerina. Dennehy also expressed confidence in their defense, believing that they will eventually have one of the strongest defensive units in the NHL.
Silayev, standing tall at 6-foot-7 and weighing 207 pounds, possesses unexpected agility for his impressive stature. He is widely acknowledged as an outstanding physical force, a quality that the Devils were in dire need of within their prospect pipeline.
According to New Jersey assistant general manager Dan MacKinnon, he is a robust, assertive defenseman with excellent skating abilities. Even at a young age, he has demonstrated a strong emphasis on physical defense. MacKinnon believes that his commitment to this defensive style will greatly benefit the team in the future.
During his inaugural season in the KHL, Silayev achieved remarkable statistics: he accumulated 11 points (consisting of three goals and eight assists), took 103 shots on goal, successfully blocked 74 shots, and emerged as the leader for his team with 98 hits in 63 regular-season games. Silayev’s coach, Igor Larionov, boasts an impressive hockey career, having played 14 seasons in the NHL, including the 2003-04 season with the Devils. Furthermore, Larionov was honored with induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2008 and holds the prestigious title of three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Detroit Red Wings.
Silayev scored the most points by an under-18 player in KHL history; Vladimir Tarasenko is second (10 points for Novosibirsk in 2008-09).
The New Jersey Devils have selected Anton Silayev in the draft.
Silayev expressed, “Larionov imparted a wealth of knowledge to me, but the most crucial lessons included enhancing my skills as a player, improving my ice vision, refining my skating abilities, deepening my understanding of the game, and honing my passing skills.”
Silayev has committed to Torpedo until the 2025-26 season, after which he is expected to pursue a professional career in North America.
MacKinnon expressed his excitement about Larionov coaching Silayev, emphasizing his deep understanding of the transition from Russian and European hockey to the NHL. According to MacKinnon, Larionov recognizes numerous qualities in Silayev that he believes will eventually transform him into a highly influential player in the NHL.
Before returning to Russia, Silayev showcased a few impressive moments during Devils development camp at RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House last week.
Silayev has caught the eye of Kevin Dineen, coach of Utica, the American Hockey League affiliate of New Jersey, due to his immense potential.
According to Dineen, our conversation revolved around his size, skating skills, and particularly his powerful puck shots. Dineen was impressed by the force behind his shot, as one of them nearly hit the roof of the arena after ricocheting off the crossbar. This display showcased the untapped strength within him. Dineen also noted that he is highly passionate about his current endeavors.
