Overview
- The New Jersey Devils recalled defenseman Anton Silaev from the Utica Comets and added him to the NHL roster, with the move announced on Friday and confirmed ahead of Saturday’s game.
- Silaev made his NHL debut Saturday night on the third pairing with Brenden Dillon, logging 18 shifts and 12:45 of ice time in New Jersey’s 7-4 win over Washington.
- In that limited role Silaev delivered six body checks, one takeaway, two shots and a blocked shot while avoiding noticeable mistakes that would force extra minutes.
- Head coach Sheldon Keefe publicly called the performance “really good, confident, assertive,” saying Silaev won physical battles and showed reliable puck play.
- The recall was a depth move driven by illnesses and injuries to Brett Pesce, Vladislav Kolyachonok and Johnathan Kovacevic, and Silaev’s debut keeps him in line for more short‑notice NHL opportunities while Connor Hellebuyck continues to stabilize the team in goal.