The New Jersey Devils are shaping their roster for the 2026‑27 campaign by taking a close look at a handful of promising prospects who have begun to carve out their professional identities.
Among them, forward Josh Filmon, defenseman Jeremy Hanzel, winger Kasper Pikkarainen, winger Matias Vanhanen and centreman Luke Wilfley represent a mix of draft pedigree and early‑career breakthroughs.
Draft backgrounds and early statistics
Filmon entered the league as the 166th overall selection in the 2022 draft and has already logged 6 points in 31 AHL appearances for the Utica Comets, while also recalling a strong WHL stint with the Swift Current Broncos where he tallied 189 points in 212 games.
Hanzel, drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in 2023 before moving through the Nashville Predators organization, posted 49 points in 72 ECHL games for the Thunder and previously contributed 149 points in 218 WHL contests with the Seattle Thunderbirds, earning a spot on the 2023 U.S. Division Second All‑Star Team.
Pikkarainen, the 85th overall pick in the 2024 draft, is currently adjusting to North American ice with 6 points in 45 Liiga games for TPS, a Finnish league where he continues to develop his two‑way game.
Vanhanen, selected 37th overall in the 2026 draft, burst onto the scene by leading the Everett Silvertips to an 87‑point campaign and a Ed Chynoweth Cup championship, a performance that also placed him among the WHL’s finalists for Rookie of the Year and Most Sportsmanlike Player.
Wilfley, the 172nd overall choice in the same draft, has already logged 66 games with the Portland Winterhawks, contributing 15 points and winning 189 faceoffs, a statistic that underscores his growing importance in the club’s offensive schemes.
WHL pedigree and international exposure
All five prospects share a common foundation in the Western Hockey League, where Filmon’s 75‑point 2022‑23 season, Hanzel’s 149‑point career, Vanhanen’s rookie accolades and Wilfley’s faceoff dominance were all forged. Their experiences against elite junior competition provide a solid platform for transitioning to professional play.
The Devils’ scouting department notes that each player brings a distinct skill set: Filmon’s offensive versatility, Hanzel’s defensive reliability, Pikkarainen’s European adaptability, Vanhanen’s playoff poise and Wilfley’s faceoff proficiency. Together, they could add depth to the roster and potentially compete for roster spots during training camp.
With the organization emphasizing player development, the prospects are expected to spend the upcoming months in the AHL affiliate system, where their performances will be closely monitored ahead of the next season’s roster decisions.