As the draft progressed, the Devils’ anxiety increased, particularly because some of their top prospects, including Russian defenseman Anton Silayev and Finnish center Konsta Helenius, remained unselected.
As the Devils’ pick at No. 10 approached, General Manager Tom Fitzgerald consulted with Assistant General Manager Dan MacKinnon. Fitzgerald, considering whether to choose between the Finnish center or the Russian defenseman, asked MacKinnon for his opinion. MacKinnon responded enthusiastically about Silayev’s potential, noting his impressive stature and skating abilities. “The defenseman is 6-7, he can skate, and he’s mean,” MacKinnon said. Fitzgerald decided to go with Silayev, the towering blueliner from Nizhny Novgorod of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
The Devils had been tracking Silayev for some time. European scout Misha Manchik, who has a close relationship with Hockey Hall of Famer Igor Larionov (Silayev’s coach in the KHL), provided valuable insights. Manchik praised Silayev’s physicality and shot, citing his connections with Larionov as a source of reliable feedback. Despite being only 18, Silayev’s performance in the professional league last season was noteworthy, demonstrating his capability to compete effectively at a high level.
Silayev himself acknowledged the importance of his experiences in the KHL. “It was a great experience for me to play at that level,” he reflected, noting that he appeared in 63 regular-season games and five postseason matches in the 2023-24 season. He emphasized the lessons learned and his commitment to applying that knowledge to improve in the upcoming season.
Silayev credited much of his development to Larionov. “He taught me a lot,” Silayev said, mentioning the guidance on various aspects of his game, from skating and passing to overall ice awareness. Larionov, who has continued to mentor Silayev post-draft, remains a significant influence on his growth as a player.
Silayev, currently under contract with Novgorod for two more years, is distinguished by his impressive size and skating prowess. Scouts have noted his exceptional agility and balance despite his large frame, describing him as a “ballerina on the ice” due to his smooth skating transitions. His physical style of play, characterized as “nasty” by some scouts, is a natural part of his game.
During the early July Development Camp, even though hitting was not part of the activities, Silayev’s skating skills were prominently displayed. He expressed his enthusiasm for the experience, appreciating the NHL environment and the high-quality equipment. “The camp was amazingly great. Everything is great,” Silayev said. He felt motivated by the challenge to improve and adapt to the NHL’s demands.
Development coaches also emphasized areas for improvement in Silayev’s game. He acknowledged the feedback and recognized the importance of refining his skills, gaining strength, and enhancing various aspects of his play. “It’s very important to get more skills, more weight, be stronger, improve in many areas because the NHL is the highest league in the world. The best of the best. So be better,” he stated.
Silayev’s ambitions are high. His ultimate goal is to win the Stanley Cup, and he aims to be among the top defensemen in the NHL. “I would like to be the best defenseman in the league,” Silayev said. “One of my goals is to be one of the best players in the NHL and achieve the best I can.”
