Scott Wheeler, an NHL writer for the New York Times, recently ranked Mikhail Yegorov, a prospect for the New Jersey Devils, as fourth among top goalies. The 19-year-old Russian goalie is in his second season at Boston University, where he is coached by former Devils forward Jay Pandolfo. Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 181 pounds, Yegorov was selected 49th overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. He made a strong impression at the Devils’ 2025 development camp, standing out among other prospects.
Although Yegorov hasn’t debuted in the NHL yet, he has already showcased his potential as one of the most promising young goalkeepers. During his freshman year at Boston University, he played in 18 games with an impressive .927 save percentage. Remarkably, he joined the team midseason and made his first appearance against a Boston University rival just four days later.
Originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, Yegorov moved to the U.S. at 17 to pursue his NHL dreams. He spent two seasons in the USHL with the Omaha Lancers, playing 43 games with an .892 save percentage before transitioning to NCAA hockey midseason in 2024-25.
Only three goalies were ranked ahead of him:
– Yaroslav Askarov, a 6’4″ prospect for the San Jose Sharks, known for his size and agility.
– Jacob Fowler, a 6’2″ Montreal Canadiens prospect, regarded as the top talent.
– Trey Augustine, a 6’1″ Detroit Red Wings prospect, noted for his athleticism and composure.
Currently, the Devils’ goaltending lineup features Jacob Markstrom as the starting goalie, who led the team through last season’s playoffs. Veteran Jake Allen, re-signed in the offseason, serves as backup, while Nico Daws, with experience in 52 NHL games, holds the third spot.
The Devils stand strong with a promising goaltending future. Yegorov is seen as the potential cornerstone for the franchise’s netminding future, indicating a bright outlook for New Jersey.
Fan Take: This is exciting news for hockey fans as Yegorov’s rise signals a strong future for the Devils, potentially stabilizing their goaltending for years to come. His success could also inspire more young international goalies to pursue the NHL, enriching the sport’s talent pool globally.
