Photo Credit: University of Denver Athletics
The NHL Draft is right around the corner, it’s really one of the best times of the year. There are many questions surrounding this young orange and black team. Some questions range from are they going to move back? Are the Flyers drafting for positional needs in the system, such as, Right-Handed Defenseman, and snipers? These are some very valid questions that people have.
With that being said, there is a Right Winger that might catch the eye of Flyers’ General Manager Chuck Fletcher in the second-third round, and that is no other than a play making machine in Jack Devine. Devine was the youngest player to play for the National Champions this past season at the University of Denver, “The year was amazing, it was super fun,” Devine said to me in an interview. “By the end of the year we were rolling. I had a lot of fun in Buffalo. It was awesome for Denver, their alumni, and fan base.”
Devine continued, “I’m super excited (For the Draft). I think it’s great for me and my family, they both are a big part of it. My two sister’s too. Actually my sister plays division III hockey.”
Devine was born on October 2, 2003, in Glencoe, IL. This native of the United States found a passion, and a love for the sport of hockey at a very young age, and as a matter of fact he started skating when he was just 2-3 years old I’m sure. His passion for the game found himself playing for a familiar face to Flyers fans and the franchise in the University of Denver. Flyers prospect Bobby Brink also played for Denver, so there is familiarity there, “Bobby (Brink) was great all year,” Devine said. “He kind of took me under his wing. We shared a locker next to each other in the locker room. He gave me tips on interviews and expectations, especially for the combine.”
This young man in Devine met some Flyers scouts at the combine and it got Devine excited, “I sat down with a few of the Flyers scouts. It was really cool,” said Devine. He is so darn talented, his hockey IQ ranks off the charts, he transitions with the best of them, he’s explosive as Devine pushes the play up the ice. Devine is a slippery type player, as he is great off the puck. Generally, he uses his instincts to get into open areas to make the play, whether it be winning a puck battle or a teammate finding him open in the slot.
A young player like Devine needs to polish his shot, as he only tallied three goals in 36 games last season, but he put up 22 points in 36 games played. This young man showed Denver’s coaching staff that he can play against men, and that is one reason he will be coveted by many NHL teams at the draft. Fortunately, the Flyers are very familiar with this program, and have done their homework on him. Devine has all the tools to succeed in the NHL, but the Flyers could very well steal this 5’11 176 pound playmaker (At the moment) if he falls to their laps at the draft between the second-third round. If the Flyers feel they have to trade into the second round to grab him, then they will, “There is not one person who defined me,” Devine said. “My elite coaches in David Carle and Dan Muse.”
Devine’s play off the puck and forechecking skills could be used by the Flyers today. He’s a slippery player, but Devine doesn’t shy away from physicality either. Devine plays exceptionally well at both areas if the ice, and would fit in just fine in John Tortorella’s system.
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For fans that may not know Devine, he has one last message for you, “It’s an honor to be a part of your city, and hopefully be a part of your winning franchise.”
I watched Devine’s development closely at Denver, and I think he’s primed for a big jump in production as a sophomore this season. Playing on an NCAA championship team gave him a great chance to learn how to contribute. He’s likely going to have a top six role with the defending NCAA champs in this coming season, and he’s fast becoming a 200-foot player. He is also primed for more special teams duty, and should also be playing with more skilled linemates, which will give him more opportunity to produce.
Also, are you sure he said he had “fun in Buffalo”?
Denver won the NCAA Frozen Four title in BOSTON last year… Denver last played in Buffalo in the 2019 Frozen Four, well before Devine joined the team…