New Jersey Devils prospect Arseny Gritsyuk was a fifth-round pick (#129) in the 2019 NHL Draft. Many picks that late do not achieve anything higher than making their debut in the American Hockey League. Gritsyuk is different. Not only did he make the main roster out of camp, but he is making a statement during his rookie season. He has fit in well and rather quickly to given the special youth earned scoring from a player drafted late in the draft.
Gritsyuk is showing the Devils that they made no mistake in drafting him. While he is in his rookie season,he has shown the drive and determination of an NHL veteran. he has displayed highlight reel moves that experienced players do not make. In 10 games to start his NHL career, he has two goals and four assists for six points and is tied for sixth among rookie point leaders. He had a career high of two points in a 5-3 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
While six points in 10 games may not be earth-shattering, the 6-foot-0 and 195-pound Gritsyuk has shown he can play in all areas of the ice, making him a dual threat at a young age. He is still working on his game but if this is what we can expect from him he has a long NHL career ahead of him.
Last season he spent time with SKA St. Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) and produced 17 goals and 27 assists for 44 points in 49 games. That alone should be eye-opening as the KHL is a well-rounded league with tons of talent. He has also shown that he can be productive in the clutch, scoring 14 goals and 11 assists for 25 points in 43 career playoff games. He has also seen time in international play, both senior and junior levels. There he scored seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in 24 games.
What is in store for Gritsyuk after the 2025-26 season? He signed a one-year, entry-level deal with New Jersey on May 7, 2025, and has not given any indication of what next season brings. One would think the Devils would want this bright young prospect in their organization for the long haul due to his play thus far. If he remains in New Jersey they could have a core piece going forward as they try to claim another Stanley Cup.