New Jersey is looking “Devilish” on right wing

VOORHEES, NJ – The right side of the New Jersey Devils offense has a good number of solid prospects, several of whom are currently plying their wares in the American Hockey League.
To see who could follow former draft picks such as Brian Gionta (1998), Brian Rolston (1991), and Brendan Shanahan (1987), to the New Jersey roster someday, check out PHN’s top five right wing prospects.
1.      Matt Halischuk (Lowell – AHL)
Halischuk (fourth round, 2007 draft) has shown some good offensive play with Lowell, despite having only appeared in 20 games (through Feb. 14).   Halischuk has 9 goals and 16 points, and was called up to the parent Devils on October 29 against the Toronto Maple Leafs picking up an assist.   Halischuk looks to have picked up where he left off last season in the Ontario Hockey League’s postseason where he scored 16 goals and 16 assists in 20 games for the Kitchener Rangers.
Outlook: If he stays healthy and continues to put up good numbers, Halischuk could be in good position to earn a spot in New Jersey next season.
2.      Nicklas Bergfors (Lowell – AHL)
New Jersey’s top draft pick in 2005, Bergfors has seen some time with the NHL Devils, including this season where he scored his first NHL goal against the Atlanta Thrashers on November 1, yet he has not really put together a season in the AHL worthy of a top pick.   Bergfors best professional season was his rookie season in Albany (2005-06) where he scored 17 goals and 23 assists in 65 games.   Injuries have had an effect on Bergfors, but time seems to be running out on how much longer he’ll remain a top prospect.
Outlook: Bergfors best chance with New Jersey may be as a third line forward, not exactly the stuff of a number one pick.   He could benefit from a change in scenery.
3.      Nick Palmieri ( Belleville – OHL)
Palmieri, NJ’s third round pick in 2007, started the 2008-09 season with the Erie Otters before a November trade to the Belleville Bulls which seems to have sparked Palmieri’s play where he has tallied 16 goals in 32 games since the trade (through Feb. 15) and has 23 for the season.
Palmieri saw action in nine games last season for Lowell and could be back there real soon.   Palmieri plays a good physical style in addition to his scoring touch, which makes him a very attractive prospect.
Outlook: Look for Palmieri to possibly be in Lowell for a playoff run this season and should most definitely on Lowell’s roster next season.   He could even stay with New Jersey if he has a strong camp.
4.      Nathan Perkovich ( Lake Superior State – NCAA)
Perkovich is struggling in his junior season with the Lakers, but his first two seasons of NCAA hockey has shown him to have an extremely bright future.   Last season Perkovich led LSSU in goals scored and was named the team’s MVP.   Perkovich was the Devils eighth round pick in the 2004 draft.
Outlook: Will likely play his senior season at Lake Superior State before turning pro.
5.      Vladimir Zharkov (Lowell – AHL)
Zharkov is having a steady first professional season in North America after playing for Russia’s CSKA Moscow team.   Zharkov has 23 points for Lowell through Feb. 14 and is the Devils top plus/minus player with a plus 16 rating.
Outlook: Zharkov has good speed and good offensive skills, but likely projects as a solid third line forward in either the AHL or NHL.
Contact the author at tom.Hoffman@prohockeynews.com