The Prospects Challenge concluded on Monday, with the Devils tallying 16 goals
in three games. They had notable performances from a few top prospects, as well
 as some less familiar names, that bode well for the upcoming season. Here are
some key takeaways from the tournament, as the Devils prepare for training
camp.Blake Speers Shows Improvement

After a tough training camp in 2017-18, Speers is off to a good start this
season. He was one of the highlights for the Devils at the Prospects Challenge,
 finishing with a goal and four assists. He broke out in the team';s finale
Monday, tallying three assists in a 6-2 rout of the Boston Bruins.

Speers is a natural right wing but played center in the final game. There are
more openings along the right side of the Devils'; NHL roster but having that
versatility can';t hurt. He also saw regular ice time on the power play and
penalty kill, which should help him during the preseason.Blake Speers at the
New Jersey Devils 2017 Development Camp. (Photo Credit: New Jersey
Devils/Patrick Dodson)

Part of the reason for Speers'; success had to do with his approach to this
offseason. Rather than working on being game ready, he put in more work on
improving his skills.

"I put most of my emphasis strictly on being in game shape coming into camp, in
 terms of my skating and my cardio and that stuff, instead of working on my
skills and making sure I was a good enough hockey player to come into this
league," Speers said to Chris Ryan of NJ Advance Media. "Come training camp and
 exhibition games, I kind of felt my game wasn't up to snuff. Obviously, I
could skate forever, but when I had the puck, I didn't necessarily feel all
that comfortable with it."Is Brett Seney the Next Jesper Bratt?

Many fans seem to be asking "who will be the next Jesper Bratt?" after his
performance last season. It';s tough to come by late-round picks who are
significant contributors in back-to-back seasons. However, Seney seems to fit
the bill the most of the team';s prospects.

He was a sixth-round pick of the team in 2015, while Bratt was a sixth-round
choice a year later. Bratt is listed at 5';10" and 175 pounds, while Seney
checks in at 5';9″ and 156 pounds. Their similarities continue on the
ice, too. They';re both fast and shifty players who have some offensive punch.

Seney';s speed and creativity were on full display at the Prospects Challenge.
He was one of the fastest skaters on the ice and did a solid job of drawing
penalties. He also added some offense and got steady minutes on the power
play.Brett Seney of the Binghamton Devils. (Photo Credit: JustSports
Photography / Binghamton Devils)

Bratt used last year';s Prospects Challenge to make a name for himself. Seney
may not have been as flashy as Bratt, but he had a strong showing after a solid
 performance at the team';s development camp in July. There';s still a long way
 to go before earning an NHL gig, but after a great summer, Seney is right
where he wants to be heading into the preseason.Michael McLeod Finishes Strong

McLeod got off to a slow start in the Prospects Challenge. He played on the
Devils'; top line in game one with John Quenneville and Joey Anderson but
wasn';t able to get much going. He sat out game two against the Penguins but
returned Monday, playing on the top line once again.

It was in that game where McLeod really shined. He showed off his speed,
drawing penalties and creating problems for the Penguins. He capped off the
game with two goals in the third period to help seal a 6-2 win for the Devils.

McLeod is still a top prospect, but he needed a good showing this past weekend.
 He struggled last season, where he saw his OHL scoring rates fall from
2016-17. His game three performance should send him into training camp with
confidence, where he';ll be a contender for an NHL roster spot.Related: Six
Devils Prospects Who Could Make the RosterOther Notable Devils';
PerformancesYegor Sharangovich

He was one of a few Devils'; prospects who had pro experience, having played
for Dinamo Minsk in the KHL last season. He had a strong tournament and showed
some offensive upside. He also has the size to handle the physical play of the
NHL. It may take some time to get used to North American ice, but he could see
NHL action sooner than later if he performs well in Binghamton.Ty Smith

He showed why the Devils made him the 17th overall selection this past June. He
 makes smart decisions with the puck and is a solid passer. The Devils also
gave him time on the power play, which he handled well. Smith may need another
year in juniors, but there';s no doubting his potential. He should be a
significant contributor to the Devils'; blue line in the not-too-distant
future.Ty Smith at the NHL Draft (Photo by Jerome Miron-USA TODAY
Sports)Brandon Gignac

The Prospects Challenge marked the first time Gignac had seen game action since
 tearing his ACL last December. He responded well, scoring two goals in the
team';s 6-2 victory over the Penguins. Gignac won';t be on the Devils'; NHL
roster come opening night. But it is good to see the 20-year-old back to
health. He should be able to give Binghamton some depth scoring once the season
 begins.Devils Goaltenders

With three goalies on the roster, the Devils split starts between each of them.
 Mackenzie Blackwood got the nod in game one but struggled to make saves. He
showed off his athleticism but was out of position on a few goals against. A
starting job is far from guaranteed in the AHL, so he';ll need to rebound
quickly.

Cam Johnson started game two and had an impressive performance. He allowed just
 two goals and made this flashy save on a Penguins'; prospect.

Ladies & gentlemen, Cam Johnson. #ProspectsChallenge pic.twitter.com/MQDYqRkydK

- Binghamton Devils (@BingDevils) September 8, 2018

If Johnson';s performance is a sign of things to come, he could take starts
away from Blackwood in the AHL. That should make for an intriguing storyline
once Binghamton';s season begins.

Akira Schmid got the start in the team';s 6-2 victory of the Bruins. At
6';5″ and 204 pounds, he';s a large presence in net. He also showed good
movement for a goaltender his size. Schmid has spent his young career playing
in Switzerland, so he needs time to adjust to North American ice. Playing for
the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the WHL should help him do so in 2018-19.

The post Devils Prospects Promising Performances Bode Well appeared first on
The Hockey Writers.

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