Training camp arrival creates opportunities for young NHL hopefuls to compete for roster spots, especially with strong preseason showings. Arseni Gritsyuk arrives from the KHL after being drafted in 2019 and posted a breakout 2024-25 season with 17 goals and 44 points in 47 games for SKA St. Petersburg. Adjustment to North American ice may require a stint with the Utica Devils, but a quick preseason adaptation could lead to an NHL debut on opening night. David Jiricek has alternated between NHL and AHL, with injuries hindering his progress, yet his skating, puck-winning, zone-clearing and one-timer skills offer a path to NHL readiness.
After six long years, Arseni Gritsyuk has finally arrived in the United States. The 24-year-old was drafted 129th overall back in 2019, but opted to remain in Russia so he could develop in the KHL. Since then, he has proven to be one of the league's top forwards for his reliable play in all situations as well as a breakout offensive performance in 2024-25. With SKA St. Petersburg, Gritsyuk potted 17 goals and 44 points in 47 games played, his best single-season output to date.
Gritsyuk may need to have a stint with the Utica Devils in order to grow accustomed to playing on North American ice, which is typically smaller than the European rinks he is used to. But if he displays a quick enough adjustment during the preseason, his NHL debut could come as soon as opening night on Oct. 9. Oh my Arseni Gritsyuk what a goal! #NJDevils pic.twitter.com/CgnwKEa6DJ- Brandon Holmes (@BHolmes_Hockey) September 5, 2024
After being traded to the Wild from the Columbus Blue Jackets, he has yet to find his footing as a full-time NHLer. That was made worse by an untimely injury that hampered his development this past season -- his fourth straight campaign bobbing between the NHL and AHL. All that being said, Jiricek is a talented defenseman who has been touted for his skating ability, his efficiency in winning puck battles and then clearing the defensive zone, and his massive one-timer.
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