We evaluated the New Jersey Devils' performance at the NHL Draft. Their goal was to sign a big, physically strong defenseman who could skate well for his size, play in a professional league, and was very mature for his age group. That player was Anton Silayev with Torpedo in the KHL. Here's a report I wrote about him earlier this year:

Anton Silayev is a physical, tall, stocky left-back. His style is similar to that of a Kevin Bahl defender, although his game is a little more offensive. Silayev has good short and long passes and if he can be taught to focus more on shooting, he can play as a second or first line defender at any club. He is 2m tall and weighs 93kg, so he needs to put on 7-9kg to become a defender with Chara-like stature.

His game is very versatile, he strikes and is well positioned most of the time even when he is out of position. He is quick on the wings and makes little to no unnecessary movements. His mentor and head coach Igor Larionov has enabled him to play at a high level and beat experienced players hard. Silayev is only 18 years old. One of the players he reminds me a lot of in terms of power is former Senator and New Jersey Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov. He has the ability to get the stick out and stop shots on goal and is big like Zdeno Chara.

Two areas where Anton Silayev can improve this season are breakout passes and timing the puck out. He will be playing his third season in the KHL under coach Igor Larionov, so it's only a matter of time before his team helps him look more experienced. The KHL is a much faster and more physical level of hockey than the MHL. Most analysts, myself included, did not expect Silayev to drop to 10th overall. This young, hard-hitting defenseman fits the New Jersey Devils' scheme in the short and long term.

He should be able to become a first-two line defenseman. Worst case scenario, he will be a phenomenal second line defenseman who will be part of a fearsome, hard-hitting, hard-to-beat Devils team that will win the Stanley Cup. The Devils have added more physicality to their team this offseason in this draft class and through transfers and offseason signings, so this team will be a tough opponent for a long time to come.