While we’re still a week or two away from a lot of teams having to make decisions on their junior-aged players, the New Jersey Devils didn’t want for the nine game mark when it comes to right winger Blake Speers as the team announced that they have sent him back to Sault Ste. Marie of the OHL.
Teams can play junior-aged players up to nine NHL games before the first year of their entry-level contract officially kicks in. This allows teams to give some of their top young prospects an extended tryout beyond training camp to determine if they are ready for a full-time roster spot or not. There are 20 remaining junior-aged players league-wide that teams will have to make a decision on in the coming weeks.
Speers has suited up in three games with the Devils this year, being held off the scoresheet with three shots on goal while averaging 9:29 of ice time per game. Last season with the OHL Greyhounds, the 2015 third round pick (67th overall) had 26 goals and 48 assists in 68 games.
The team also announced that defenseman Steven Santini has been recalled and will take Speers’ spot on the roster. The team recently sent him down to give him a game in the AHL over the weekend.
[Related: Devils Depth Chart]