The 2026/27 Cardiff Devils Roster So Far

Thoughts on the current announcements, preview for the Summit and potential additions they could go with

CARDIFF, WALES – It has been another summer filled with excitement, optimism, shocks and curiosity, as league admins get pummelled for simply doing their jobs.

Not to mention getting begged by grown adults to announce a player signing at their immediate request, so they can feel that instantaneous dopamine hit for attention and relevance.

EIHL Off-season is well and truly here and for Devils fans, it arrives under a microscope of their clubs’ own making, the ST increase.

There have been, as previously speculated, a raft of retirements across the league, some very big moves across the league, an influx of first year pro’s and a small exodus of players to France’s Ligue Magnus.

Just as important, the merry go round of Brits – here I had long called for the likes of Patrick Larkin and Joe Hazledine to be added to the Devils Brit core, especially as a cornerstone rebuild. Alas, they went to Panthers, leaving Devils to add just one new face, albeit, of a particular lineage.

No matter what, there would be winners and losers, also, not a single team can please anyone. There will always be scepticism, doubts, undulated and unyielding fealty to the cause.

This however, is the focus for the Devils. Lets get into it.

Post-Playoffs Aftermath

Prior to any thoughts on the off-season or the squad for the following campaign, there was the business of being completely caught up in a playoff triumph, that capped off a season of true ups and downs.

To some, it was the perfect ending, or even season.

To others it was relief that a trophy was won, or even salvaged.

For the more discerning, it was a repeat of 2022, or at least, the potential decisions to come.

The end of season finale capped off a dominant run in, rivalled only by Guildford Flames in terms of points per game obtained for the final few weeks.

Prior to this, an attempt to inform and reduce anxiety around changes to ST prices was launched, just before a DH to Belfast, where the season trended to a low finish.

Since then, the team went on a great run, finishing second and winning the playoffs.

Then it was attention and thoughts as to who stays and who goes.

Retention or Retool?

Unlike the previous season, there wasn’t as much clamour for an overall of improvements, especially on goal scoring and roster wide production.

The debate from that off-season rolled throughout the 2025/26 campaign, ultimately, if there were an improved quality of recruitment, 1) the goal scoring issues would have been addressed and 2) they could have even won the league.

So, to one half of the fanbase, there was only a need for a few changes, to weapon up on the top unit.

To others, it confounded the view and need for a retool, to breathe fresh life into the squad, including upgrading the existing and ageing Brit/Import core.

The wider view and change of mind from needing an entire new top 6 and changes to the Brits, to only needing a few upgrades for the forwards seemed to have landed for the decision makers.

Despite some small division in views of how the club recruits, the common viewpoint was to keep the goal tending and defence in tact.

Then, to add a few ‘top quality’ snipers.

The counter argument to that was, retaining the same core would only continue to keep habits that consistently lead to subpar seasons and a lack of an EIHL Championship, even Challenge Cup.

So, typically, the debate that has lingered for +3 seasons, continues apace.

What are the risks and what are the habits?

The biggest risk is the obvious – another year on the body. So far, the average age for the league is 28.4 years old, with the Devils sat at 30.6. The oldest (at time of writing).

Their Brit core and blue line is amongst the oldest in the league, with the men holding the rear guard at 34.4 years old on average. The retained players within that unit, 35.75 years old.

With the retention of Martin and Davies for example, the average age for the veterans rings in at 35.8. Without goalies, especially, Bowns (35 years old).

The prevailing argument for retaining such a cultured group of players, is that they know the league, know the system for the coach, know the club and are extremely loyal.

You could also bolt on that they have won an exceptional number of titles together.

This is true.

Except, there is a limitation here.

Broadly speaking, yes. They have and are Hall of Fame worthy and for some, jersey retirement worthy, overall.

The persisting argument against and lingering concern (rightly and shouldn’t go away) is that since 2019, those players with a smattering of currently retained skaters, have won just 2 domestic cups, neither are considered typically serious.

In fact, you could suggest that this is just a Brodie Dupont-era line up with another new coach.

The counter to the entire fact ridden obviousness of the main caveat that precedes the entire roster, is of course, who the coach is, currently.

A coach who publicly lambasted the near entire (retained) team for not being good enough during the campaign last season.

It might be a merry go around of takes, stances and opinions, but for the supporters of the retention, there are more counter points from indefensible positions.

The only fall back is the coach (Thompson) and to trust the process. The same chorus that gave us, ‘the coach needs his own team next season if we are to compete’.

STGate

The biggest risk is to retain largely the same roster again, against the back drop of increased costs to fans, announced last season at a time of plummeting results.

I argued at the time, that the announcement and subsequent video outlining the costs and needs weren’t warranted, the rises were on the way, regardless.

The club, I maintain, looked after its fans for consecutive years after they (the fans) done the same during the Covid lockdowns.

It also needlessly put them into an uncomfortable position, as we may well find out over the course of the upcoming campaign.

The entire premise was that due to being unable to add more seats to improve income naturally, they would have to cap the ST allocations to aid sales for weekly fixture releases (due to high demands).

There also became a bottleneck in operations, as they felt the natural income was too limited to compete with larger arena teams (specifically Belfast, Sheffield), so they would be increasing and adapting the bands for ST costs.

Uproar ensued, then abated.

As the season went on, the clamour for an improved squad built, then, something happened.

The team clicked and now we are here.

So, was this a move to soon? Was it a big risk to gamble the statement and position, only to retain the majority of the previous seasons’ squad?

The take away was universal – like the costs/approach or not, the club would be investing into the squad to improve ALL areas, not just the forwards.

Yet, the Goalies and all but one spot on the D have been announced, with only one new addition thus far, last seasons top 3 Defensemen ranked in the league, Nick Welsh.

Statcard as presented in the EIHL Player Impact Guide

Being added to the roster, it certainly wouldn’t be to replace a 3rd liner. If it was, then it is a big job for the coach to rotate such a heavily offensive-minded blue line group, that only gets older.

As highlighted by the card above, he ranked 3rd overall amongst defensemen in the EIHL. It was a stellar first season campaign, bested by Devils’ own Estes (also his first EIHL season) quite literally in the final week of regular action, as the Devils maintained a solid pace for results and Storm limped to the their first ever Playoffs.

This is an example of doubling down on what assets they already have, instead of adding more youth, especially a pair of young, shut down defensemen. That is to say, if this concludes Estes will return.

If not, he is the logical inter-league replacement, as his power play qualities far out-performed Estes’ ability across the entire campaign last season. Something that was a continual sore point for the group. Another season, largely the same players, same issues.

This leaves a gap for a potential DFD to wrap up the blue line group, if the club roll with 6 defenders. If there is room for a 7th, it would likely mean Richardson being scratched, but at a risk of playing a weaker Brit-centred depth forward group.

What are the habits?

It has long been noticed and written that top players not only ‘go missing’, but switch off when calls or game flow goes against them.

Lashing out in frustration, half hearted looks on net, not getting to the greasy areas and not screening the goalie.

These minor details eventually add up, to what exposes a deeper, inherent major structural failure, manifesting down to lazy, mistimed line changes, as an example. They were costly in tight games.

Yes, players will perform by a system-basis, they are professionals.

It is having the attitude on the ice to take the game by the scruff of the neck and forcing something to happen.

Try something different. Play with a higher intensity, rather than go through the motions.

You can look to direct games in the past season and see where things went wrong. The Scottish triple header, the new years battles vs Flames, the road performances vs Steelers.

No intensity, no urgency.

Then, there are the games where even if they went a goal up early, as has happened under numerous coaches before, the mentality was to sit back. ‘We have done enough, lets draw the game out’. It is a passive mindset without accountability.

Lambasted by the new/current coach even, for not having the ‘right’ attitude.

Another, is the inability for veteran players to improve upon the power play. 3 coaches since Skalde left and it has gone to some incredible lows.

After calling for months to drop Estes to PP2 and completely scratch Lacroix from having any input upon the special teams, suggesting to go back to the Davies-Duggan PK and promoting Fournier on PP1, things did click.

They went on an incredible run, as noted at the start of the article.

The problem – life is too comfortable. They will get an extension or another offer by the end of the season. It cannot be argued, as the pattern of recent years has been to retain, retain, retain. Rather than aggressively improve or gut the roster to refresh.

I do agree there needs to be a functioning, foundational core. But the golden opportunity to really improve was after a promising but disastrous season, the last under Pete Russell.

In that years’ summit, fans were pre-warned; this will be a budget year, because we spent too much.

They signed a very budget team. Albeit in 3 cases, smartly (Kontos, Stoever and Estes).

Yet, the wider opportunity to refresh the Brits who can put up more offense from depth roles went missing and a chance to pair Richardson with a young Brit defensemen was also sorely found wanting.

Brodie Kay over Reece Kelly, as a fine example.

Questions over retirement are still lingering – with no plans to prepare for that inevitability in sight.

Then, there was the debate over goals. Lack thereof won the day.

So, the patterns remained.

A fast start for the season, topping the league. Then, immediately collapsing.

You would think with the wealth of league and club experience the veterans and bulk of retained players have, they should have figured this out by now.

You simply need to identify that and be brave enough to make those tough changes. This is why the term, ‘inherit habits, you keep them’, has been engraved.

A modern reality that hangs over the club like a darkened raincloud, ready to thunder down at a moments notice.

No matter who is new, coach included, the exact format happens as if it is pre-written.

So, if it is pre-written, just like a script, then the box scores bare the truth even further when you look at the cold numbers required to win this league.

The Magic Number

To be crowned the EIHL regular season champion over a 54 game calendar, recent results and history has provided a bonafide road map to outline both the floor and ceiling for being within contention of claiming the coveted prize.

The data shows that a winning team needs to lose no more than 13 regular season games and aim to win above 35.

Losing less than 10 regular season games by end of March would signify a very strong contention to win the league.

So, for the course of the upcoming season, focus less on overall wins, just keep an eye on the L column. As soon as it reaches double figures, that is crunch time. It would likely land around January to February for the Devils based on recent campaigns.

Gaps for losses against the champions have steadily increased since 2022, from 6 to 7. On average, Devils have won shy of 30 regular season games, losing just over 15.

The trend is blindingly obvious. Yet, easier said than done.

The repeated form however, isn’t bad luck or scheduling. It is a repeated, predictable outcome. That speaks of a direct consequence of a streaky, overly loyal to the cause, roster design.

Constrains within the devotion to a continual group of returning players ignores alarming trends and outcomes. The faith shown is admirable, honourable even. It speaks of a tight knit culture. Players crave to be part of that.

Shredding through coaches however, has left the process in question entirely. The same issues arise. Down to power play efficiency and flip flop for the PK, ranking top twice, yet overall sits about 3rd best in the league.

The direct comparison is to Steelers and Giants, who kept the league title between them since 2022. They have a highly productive all around top 6, with stand out players who often top the league in points and scoring.

When that system eventually hits a cold patch, their secondary units make up the short fall, without too much sacrifice to their win/loss columns.

For the Devils, as soon as their highly skilled top lines fail to produce, the entire system shuts down. If not for Riley Brandt stepping up last season, things would have demonstrably ended differently.

But, was that a rare flash in the pan or was that a signal of what can happen under an experienced coach, like Paul Thompson?

What has been observed was largely blips of offensive brilliance, mixed with a mire of survival hockey. That isn’t a system that can sustain an ageing core.

Nor is it a recipe to win the league. That job has now come under the most pressure it has ever encountered.

The Current Roster

From the initial announcement to the latest of Ben Davies, it has left very little room for any new additions until or after this years’ Summit with the owners.

Confirmation of goal tending has been the biggest security factor for all Devils fans, providing an immediate rating of A.

Blue Line Legends

With Mosey, Fournier, Richardson and Oligny announced as returning, murmours are abound as to the fate of highly popular, natural shut down monster, Tyson Helgeson.

He played with a subluxed shoulder injury for a good chunk of the season, requiring surgery this summer.

He obliterated opponents, skated very smoothly, would activate when needed seamlessly and provided very little to worry about as a 3rd line partner for Mark Richardson.

The no frills, no fuss, job done right approach with a mature attitude impressed all who saw him play.

If he needed additional recovery time, then keeping Mosey locked to the blue line would be a natural option. Either way, there is a spare spot available after the inclusion of previously mentioned, Nick Welsh.

In total, for 6 spots on D, there are currently 4 OFD minded players. There truly isn’t a need for another. However, rumours are abound that Brandon Estes is slated to return.

Personally, I cannot see it as needs have been met already. Unless he returns later in the season after settling home life first. Just an out there thought at this stage.

Welsh, with his power play prowess adds to the offense and options for coach Thompson. The entire D core of last season would have reached an A grade, even despite another year on the body for most.

Fournier, though widely anticipated to play with ‘more freedom’ than under Russell, played almost exactly the same. His natural traits were there with a broader tendency to be proactive within his own zone.

This is natural and to be expected (or should be) considering where he used to play. Ultimately, he didn’t improve on his production compared to the season before, but put up the same amount of points as his line partner, Mosey.

As mentioned before, when he was promoted to PP1, this changed the destiny of not just that system, but coincided with their late run too. If he could match or improve on that, they would have a lot of reliability at the back.

With the added top 3 blue liner from last season, it so far cements this grade as A.

Goal tending – A

Defence – A.

Forwards

With the announcement of Barrow and Olischefski, the Denver duo have delighted fans of their return. The former put in one of his best ever professional seasons, which ended very unfortunately. It was a season of personal reprieve for the player, who is loved by the Devils faithful.

As for the latter, he impressed as the season drew on, hitting an all time high as Devil for a decent points run and truly earned his stripes as an alternate captain.

Very solid retainee’s, who should be the corner stone to build upon.

The announcement of Joey Martin, legendary figure for the faithful and historic EIHL import forward, was a surprise and for some, relief.

It was highly anticipated that after his testimonial, that would be him done and ready for a new venture. Which, after going so close last season, this might be that final swan song.

He brings that elite veteran edge, which any locker room would love. A true, passionate Devil.

He is yet to have a catastrophic drop off in production and moved seamlessly between the top 6 in all situations across the season, matching his previous for regular season points.

Winning playoffs a year after celebrating his testimonial would surely have the fire bursting with life within him. The concern is, would he retain the top line role or accept a 3rd line presence?

This is the prevailing thought, as to no matter who else returns or who joins – where do they slot? Mental arithmetics for Thompson, thankfully.

As mentioned before, the latest addition wrapped up the Brit contingent for this season, Ben Davies. At 35, he was also expected to hang up the skates after a long, successful career, including international honours.

As a 4th line grinder, he could only play with intensity so much, so to return is a big ask but also speaks larger volumes of him as a player and individual. An often unsung hero, a consummate professional and fantastic IQ.

The only draw back here is another year on the body and that will be a thing which could turn south, if not handled correctly or timed right.

Before his inclusion, Harewood was finally announced as full time, which spoke of maybe he was replacing Davies and with the addition of far wide of field, Jake Sacratini (son of former Devil, Vez), he seemed to be the pipeline replacement for Harewood.

With the additions of Bowns, Richardson and Duggan, this completed the group of homegrown players.

A group that should have been largely improved on at least 4 years ago.

The way the roster looks would point to a squad that would have 1 scratched Brit and 1 scratched import.

So far, there was only one import forward added, Thomas Caron. A player very similar to Yaremko in ability to find space on the ice for offensive outlets and a very good ability to drop the mitts.

Arriving at 6’3 and able to play either wing is a boost for the team, so far beset by size – Martin, Duggan, Davies, Harewood, these aren’t the biggest players and would definitely need some larger line mates down the stretch.

Caron spent time in the AHL with Oligny at Manitoba Moose, where he still resides (Manitoba). He also played in Finland, which speaks of his skating ability and if Oligny is anything to go by, he would be a fantastic skater to watch.

He comes across, at least CV-wise as a fine, hidden gem. But not an elite goal scorer, posting 0.33 pts per game average across the AHL, ECHL and Liiga.

As for goals per game, it lands at 0.26, across 9 seasons. Hardly top 6 quality for any team in the EIHL.

With this league, anyone can shine, but for now I cannot see him in a top 6 role just yet. Replacing Perlini in terms of skating, size and finding pockets of space to either play into or hold would be the logical way to look at the inclusion.

With the largely unchanged Brit core, that has equally been as unimpressive on the scoresheet and religiously locked into a system-first approach, such as PK and ‘energy’ unit, the newest additions bring further risk.

Harewood, whilst long expected to make the step up, has had some smatterings of EIHL experience and always impressed in his physicality, transition play and two way game. He has notched 2 apples in regular season.

This season will for sure be his breakout, so at 22, he has his own destiny in his hands.

Sacratini, whilst older at 25, brings some lore and lineage back to the club. For many, it will be a crisis of existence after watching his father play, likely knowing his mother for example. Back then, the club was even more tight knit.

He will be one of the first players to ice for the club as a true 2nd generation Devil. As he played junior Devils when he was younger, he qualifies as homegrown and for many, adds to the Brit core as a Welsh player, thus making the unit 50% true homegrown.

Size aside, the concern is adaptability at this level. He spent time in college, but not to the D1 levels of the Barrow’s or Olischefski’s.

D3 level is still decent, with a lot of AAA level players occupying rosters there. He was certainly a good fit for that level too, posting 0.91 PP/G.

There is a level of calibre within the player. Whether that would translate to a full time spot or not is currently anyones’ guess.

The likelihood is that they find him a two-way deal in the NIHL to continue his pro development for UK hockey standards.

No matter his fate, the seasonal discussion of ‘where will the newest Brits come from?’ just had one piece answered to solve this question.

So far, the forward group is okay, with a lot to be desired for who might be retained and who might be newly added.

In the grand sceme, there are 7 spots left, so would all be imports. With the summit looming close by, there are usually around 4 players announced at this time, rarely a returning player.

There is also a massive amount of off-season left, so the club shouldn’t be in a rush to announce the whole thing just yet. We are barely in July.

Of the 7, one spot would be on the blue line, so now it is to add the top 6, if for instance we have;

3rd Line = Barrow – Martin – Olischefski

4th Line = Harewood – Davies – Duggan

Grade – C+

Of course, hugely speculative and not even included Caron there. So, who would realistically return, on top of the already retained players from the previous seaosn?

Further Returns

For one, this should be Kristoff Kontos, who galvanised the team by quietly going about his business, finishing top of the team in points (53), winning back to back playoffs with two different clubs and 4th overall in regular season for the league.

A player who would partner Caron well on the actually 3rd line would be cult hero, Riley Brandt. He would be coming off a huge breakout season in goals, scoring more than Kontos, ending 4th on the team with 18.

Without his output, the season would very well have ended much differently. He might have had serious offers this off-season, however, I firmly believe he will stay and ensure that wasn’t a one off.

Imagine a line of Caron – Martin – Brandt? Mouth watering.

There have also been some speculation of Yaremko being retained, especially after his playoff and late season heroics which helped to fire Devils to finish on a high.

Most would certainly want to see him get a full season here and I am one of them. One you could easily switch with Martin in the middle deck, which would add a ferocious line that would be a nightmare to defend and play against.

That would conclude who I would retain or at least expect to return.

Meaning, one full line of forwards to announce and a new DFD. Unless, Helgesen does return to complete the rear guard, meaning that the summit might be the most low key event they have produced in years.

That would also mean, whoever they add with Welsh and Caron, would NEED to be impressive.

So, lets have a look at some potential players they could land, or at least, should.

ScoutDeck – Summit Additions

This would be in addition to the earlier scout deck uploaded and posted over a month ago; https://hockeysteve.co.uk/2026/05/07/scoutdeck-2026/ Featuring a quality, high calibre blue liner and a defensive minded, elite forward that would suit this league and Thompsons system and club blue print.

I have held back on sharing more, as some college-path players have been announced already, so decided to wait until now to set about some educated suggestions that would compliment the Devils.

To address who might be announced and added to the roster for the 2027/27 season, we have to identify the needs.

The primary focus is a player who can rival or best the scoring of EIHL leader, Mitchell Balmas. The club have had decent players over the years, some inside the top 5, some just close to the top and most in the top 20.

But never to heights needed to truly make the Devils a juggernaut.

Try as they might, they (players) ended up as an average for top of a club, rather than lead the league. This is an important distinction, whilst even the champions of the last two seasons didn’t strictly feature a player of that calibre, their ensemble collectively produced as a total.

There are enough playmakers in the squad, with Martin, Olischefski and Barrow for some known to be playing again next season, the focus is to add true scorers, not high volume shooters who may land circa 20 goals more or less in a season.

Nor, more players with a pass first mentality.

The grinders and playmakers are abound, especially if you factor in the above returnee’s.

Alex Swetlikoff – C/LW, 24yrs old

At 6’4, the LHS can play both centre and wing, known for his play as a two way, power forward who forechecks hard.

For the mould of a Thompson team, he has size, strength and plays a solid two-way game. Recently in Sweden, he played in the 2nd league (Allsvenskan) for Modo, after splitting time between the ECHL and AHL.

He has a better PP/Game production than Caron, so would fit seamlessly into the top 6 and would pair well with either Barrow or Olischefski, also.

At 24, he is still young and would make an excellent replacement for any outgoing top 6 forward.

Carter Ashton – RW/LW, 35yrs old

This may be a swing in the distance, especially with the age, but adding another veteran to the group might be of aid to club captains, Joey Martin and Mark Richardson.

The first round, 29th overall pick for Tampa Bay Lightning also measures at 6’4, with a strong net front presence, as well as having similar traits to Swetlikoff as a power forward.

He also hails from Manitoba, with NHL and long AHL experience, including KHL and both of the top Swedish leagues and also represented Team Canada in the world juniors, collecting silver, averaging across those major leagues with 0.48 PP/Game.

The club have had players of this calibre before and he still plays enough to compete in this league.

Especially a former team mate of his, Andrew MacWilliam.

Considering he has never won a championship as a pro (like league, domestic cup), could this be a (long) shout for a Linglet-esque addtion?

Josh Prokop – RW/C, 26yrd old

A player who just finished his first season in Europe with Danish outfit, Herning Blue Fox, collected 36pts from 47GP in their regular season.

Slightly smaller at 5’11, he can play as center or wing, with a RHS, that would definitely help line balance with anyone on this roster.

He finished Usports with Alberta in 24/25, averaging 1.09 PP/Game, going straight to the AHL, scoring 3 points in 7GP.

Putting up 17 markers as a virtual new pro is no joke, especially as it contributed to a league title and bronze at last years’ IIHF Continental Cup in Nottingham.

No doubt those teams would have been scouted, so if this name wasn’t on the club radar, I demand a job.

He has a sophisticated wrister and can score from all parts of the OZ, especially the greasy, hard to battle areas and was a former captain for WHL’s Calgary Hitmen.

If matched with Caron for example, this could build a fresh partnership not seen since Cox & Sanford initially played for the club.

Assuming Helgesen returns, then the last new addition would be another forward. If not, then the true hope would be Jordan Sambrook, as outlined in the popularly downloaded, ScoutDeck (above).

Within that is an Alberta native, Alex Young, who impresses each season in the ECHL. He could be a true anchor piece down the middle, with his face off prowess, defense-minded marshalling of the ice and heavy minutes on both top special teams.

At some stage, the club will need to move on from the well worn veterans, that will go down in history as the greatest ever. Their time will eventually come to an end, that is inevitable.

Some of these players have been heavily researched as potential next-era level pieces that could usher in the next, competitive roster for the club.

Final Pieces

Ryan Hughes – LW/C, 26yrs old

A further piece, one to add to not just depth, but for a player who knows the league, is Ryan Hughes.

A smaller frame, similar to Sanfords, but has pace and a proven scoring prowess in the league at 0.73 PP/Game average, on teams that operated at different levels to the Devils.

He has also just played a full season in Denmark, scoring 9 goals in 47GP for 0.66 PP/Game.

He also played at the same uni as Prokop and a cohort of current and former EIHL’ers, so for locker room balance, he would be. sure fit.

If there is neither Estes nor Helgesen returning, then it would be a major loss for the immediate reaction. Anyone can be replaced, of course.

If that would be the case, then the likely addition would be an outright 3rd pair DFD.

In the mould of Helgesen would be fine work, but for the right player, those are hard to come by.

Dustyn McFaul – LHD, 25yrs old (low risk prospect)

A 6th round draft pick at 181 overall for the Bruins, this 6’2 LHS blue liner from Ontario, Canada might just fit the bill. After spending 5 years at Clarkson, the NCAA level player has moved to the ECHL, playing solid minutes.

He captained his team in Uni, even demonstrating a cannon of a slapshot.

His first career goal was a coast to coast carry topped off with a wrap around, but he. plays a solid shut down role with maturity.

Jake Crespi – RHD, 27yrs old (high ceiling production)

Another option could be 6’0 American blue liner, Jake Crespi. The RHS defender played at NCAA D1 outfit, Michigan Tech for 4 years before heading to the Hungarian Erste Liga.

There he won the league title whilst putting up 0.78 PP/Game before heading to Italy in the Alps league, putting up nearly a point per game.

He earned most points as a defenceman in the AlpsHL, as well as assists and even played in the Continental Cup, during the 3rd round in Cortina, where Devils were in Grenoble.

Crespi is a confident puck mover and always looks for space to attack with the puck instead of snapping a pressure pass errantly. He also skates smoothly and drives deep when in activation.

He has a devastating wrist shot and knows when to pinch, with a good ability to deke and cut through a players’ weaker side.

He has more to add than McFaul, with more travel and experience of high stakes competitions under his belt. A good fit for the 3rd line if neither the favourited blue liners return this season.

Potential Roster

What do you think Devils fans? Would you take a punt on more veteran presence like Ashton or opt for a high ceiling potential game changer like Swetlikoff?

Let me know in the comments on here or posted on X.

The Summit awaits!