The New Jersey Devils Development Camp will run from June 30 to July 2, 2025 as the club gets a look at some of the youngest members of the organization.
The camp, run by the team’s development staff, is headlined by Meghan Duggan, the Director of Player Development, who will keep a watchful eye on the prospects this week.
Fresh off of joining the Devils organization on Saturday, several 2025 draft picks will be in attendance, including both second-round selections, Conrad Fondrk and Ben Kevan.
Photos by Andrew Maclean
The Devils prospects took to the ice on Monday for the first of three on-ice sessions at Development Camp. The roster consists of 14 forwards, 12 defensemen and five goaltenders.
All the team’s 2025 draft picks are in Newark this week: Conrad Fondrk, Mason Moe, Ben Kevan, Gustav Hillstrom, David Rozsival, Sigge Holmgren and Trenten Bennett.
Fondrk, who broke his fibula in March, will not take the ice.
Excuse us for a moment. We have some prospects to remove from our MySpace Top 8. pic.twitter.com/Pf8DmFCYgD
Shane LaChance and Mikhail Yegorov were teammates at Boston University and now they’re here.
Mikhail Yegorov—affectionately known around the rink as “Big Mike”—was all smiles as he took the ice at Devils Development Camp for the first time. Fresh off a standout year at Boston University, Yegorov talked about his excitement to finally be in New Jersey, highlighting the thrill of getting to know new teammates, working closely with Martin Brodeur, and adapting to life in the Devils organization.
“I didn’t get a chance to be here last year when I got drafted, so it’s great finally meeting everyone,” Yegorov said. “There’s so much attention to detail here—both on and off the ice—and it’s exciting to imagine my future with this organization.”
Known for his athletic style between the pipes, Yegorov brings both energy and charisma to the rink, which fans at BU came to love—especially when celebrating wins by slamming into the glass. But it’s not all smiles and celebrations; he’s laser-focused on improving his consistency and stick-handling skills, areas he’s identified as crucial to reaching the NHL level.
You can read more about Yegorov here.
Goaltender Mikhail Yegorov speaks following the first on-ice day of Devils Development Camp.
With Devils Development Camp underway, one of the new faces making an immediate impression is Shane LaChance. After signing his entry-level contract earlier this spring, the big winger is officially feeling a part of the organization. Speaking on Day 1 of camp, LaChance acknowledged the different mindset he carries now that he’s under contract.
“It definitely feels different,” he said. “It’s nice to be under contract, knowing you’re coming in here trying to make a good impression, and knowing you could be standing in this locker room. That’s the goal.”
That new sense of belonging and stability is fueling LaChance’s drive. He described this phase as “being that much closer to your dream,” which has clearly sharpened his focus.
“There’s obviously a ton of work left to do, but just tasting that next step in my career motivates me even more,” he explained.
Development Camp is as much about learning as it is about showcasing skills, and LaChance is embracing the experience fully. He emphasized the importance of meeting new people and absorbing as much knowledge as he can from coaches and staff.
“It’s nice to just go around, shake as many people’s hands as you can, introduce yourself, and make your presence felt,” he said.
LaChance also touched on the benefit of having a familiar face at camp—Mikhail Yegorov, his goaltender from Boston University. Their friendship, complete with plenty of good-natured chirping on the ice, adds an enjoyable element to the intense environment. LaChance praised his teammate’s competitive nature.
“He’s always pushing himself to get better, and that’s why he’s had so much success.”
It’s clear from Day 1 that LaChance is embracing the journey and is eager to continue proving himself to the Devils organization. His attitude, work ethic, and personality bode well as he takes these important next steps in his career.
Shane LaChance speaks following the first on-ice day of Devils Development Camp.
Rozsival on attending Development Camp: “It’s a dream come true. I’m super excited to be here and compete with these guys. There’s a lot of talent here. I got drafted then found out I had a flight in seven hours. I slept and then went to the airport. It’s been pretty tough but that’s what it takes.”
Filmon on his growth and development last season: “The biggest adjustment for me was learning how to hold onto the puck longer and learning how to protect it. And learning how to be more physical.”
Pikkarainen on his goals this upcoming season: “My skating and my shot. Those are the things I want to improve. They have, but I want to continue to improve.”
The first day of Camp is all about making new friends.
Big thanks to @RWJBarnabas for having our guys out to visit the patients at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. pic.twitter.com/tcjBP1Lz4H
Photos by Andrew Maclean