Devils expected to sign former first-round pick to entry-level contract

The New Jersey Devils are expected to add another first-round selection to their prospect pipeline, with defenseman Anton Silayev projected to sign his entry-level contract following the completion of his third season in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

Selected 10th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, Silayev is expected to become the final player chosen within the top 15 of that draft class to sign an NHL entry-level deal. The 6-foot-7 blueliner has spent the last several years developing in the Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod organization, where he emerged as one of the most heavily used young defensemen in Russian hockey.

Silayev first gained attention during the 2022-23 season with Chaika Nizhny Novgorod, Torpedo’s junior affiliate. Playing in the Russian Junior Hockey League (MHL), he recorded eight points in 41 games while helping the club win a league championship.

Silayev’s impressive development earned him a full-time KHL opportunity during the 2023-24 campaign. At just 17 years old, he secured a roster spot with Torpedo and quickly made an impact. He became the youngest goal scorer in franchise history and finished September with six points in 12 games, averaging more than 17 minutes of ice time per contest. His performance earned KHL Rookie of the Month honors.

By season’s end, Silayev recorded 11 points in 63 games, setting league records for points by an under-18 player, points by an under-19 defenseman, and games played by an under-18 defenseman. He also led Torpedo with 98 hits and received a nomination for KHL Rookie of the Year. In five playoff games, he collected two assists before contributing three assists in 10 MHL postseason contests.

Silayev followed with 12 points in 63 KHL games during the 2024-25 season and added two points in 17 VHL playoff games while helping Torpedo’s minor-league affiliate win a championship. His offensive production declined in 2025-26, however, as he managed three points in 61 KHL games. After Torpedo’s playoff exit, he contributed two points in four junior playoff games.

While his scoring production declined, Silayev continued refining his defensive game and puck-moving abilities. With an NHL contract expected, the highly regarded prospect could compete for a role in New Jersey’s organization as early as the 2026-27 season, either in the AHL or during Devils training camp.

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