The New Jersey Devils have inked two of their prospects to entry-level contracts, according to GM and Executive Vice President Ray Shero.
Forward Blake Speers and defenseman Colton White were both selected in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Speers was selected 67th overall, while White was chosen 97th.
Speers scored 74 points in 68 games last season, and added another 10 points in 12 playoff games. Elite Prospects describes him as such:
Has slick hands and good overall puckhandling skills. Great passing ability and a very accurate shot. Plays a puck possession game; not diminutive in size, per say, but does need to get stronger. Not afraid to battle along the boards, but his size does show through against bigger opponents. Has all the tools to be a successful contributor when played in the right role.
White posted 35 points in 68 games, and another 3 in the playoffs.
Speers was named captain of the Greyhounds last season, and White serves as an assistant captain. Both men are expected to return to Sault Ste. Marie for one more season of junior before making their professional debuts in the 2017-18 season.
Provided neither player makes the Devils this season, the three-year contracts will not count against the 50-contract limit and will expire following the 2019-20 season.