VOORHEES, NJ – In our final look at the top New Jersey Devils prospects, we will be taking a look at the centers in the organization. With a lot of youth at this position, who will be the ones to impress the team and eventually take to the Prudential Center ice in the coming years?
Here is our list of top 5 center prospects for the Devils. 1. Patrice Cormier (Rimouski – QMJHL)
Patric Cormier (photo courtesy of the Rimouski Oceanic)
A second round pick in the 2008 draft, Cormier is having a good season with the Quebec League’s Rimouski Oceanic. In 46 games (through February 22), Cormier has 20 goals to go along with 24 assists and 96 penalty minutes. Cormier, much like his brother Kevin (currently in the Devils organization at Trenton), plays a solid physical game while contributing much to the offense. Cormier also has good size for a center (6′ 2″, 201). Outlook: Cormier is only 18 years old so won’t be in Newark just yet, but figure on him making a good impression in future camps with the Devils. Cormier is a perfect for the style of play in the Atlantic Division. 2. Adam Henrique (Windsor – OHL) Another member of the Devils 2008 draft class (third round), Henrique is putting up excellent numbers in his third season with the Windsor Spitfires. In only 48 games so far, Henrique has already put up career offensive highs across the board. In addition to scoring, he can also play a strong two-way game. Henrique has been an excellent penalty killer in juniors, and can use that skill very well as he progresses through the ranks. Outlook: Henrique is another 18 year old who will probably get some more time in juniors before settling in to the pros, most likely in the AHL. 3. Tony Romano (Peterborough – OHL) Romano struggled last season with the London Knights in his first OHL season after playing at the NCAA level at Cornell. This season, after being traded to the Peterborough Petes, Romano has found his scoring touch, with 32 goals and 62 points to lead the Petes. Outlook: Romano’s improvement this season keeps him on the Devils radar. Look for him to continue to play in juniors for another year or two. 4. Petr Vrana (New Jersey (NHL), Lowell (AHL)) Last season’s top center prospect, Vrana parlayed an excellent season at Lowell into a spot on New Jersey’s opening night roster. After seeing action in only 16 games with just one goal, Vrana was sent back to Lowell where he has struggled to regain his form from a year ago. Outlook: Vrana’s prospect days are coming to an end, so look for him to possibly be with another organization next season. 5. Michael Swift (Lowell – AHL) Swift is in his first season in the Devils organization and is putting up decent totals for Lowell. Smith has 22 points in 36 games and should get better with more playing time. Outlook: Swift impressed enough to earn a free agent contract. Likely projects as a third or fourth line forward. Contact the author at
Tom.Hoffman@prohockeynews.comRelated
You must be logged in to post a comment.