Will This KHL Standout Enhance the Devils Middle Six?
In a recent one-on-one interview with RG, New Jersey Devils forward prospect Arseny Gritsyuk shared that now is “the perfect time to go as a team leader and try to become a full-fledged NHL player.” As the 24-year-old begins his transition from the Kontinental Hockey League to the Devils’ NHL franchise, his blend of optimism and on-ice talent positions him to be a promising component in strengthening the team’s middle six. While the organization has yet to confirm specific plans for his role, Gritsyuk is clear on what he needs to bring to the table to make an immediate impact. Heading into training camp, Gritsyuk is certainly a name to keep an eye on.
Gritsyuk spent the past five seasons in the KHL, playing with Avangard Omsk from 2020 to 2023 before joining SKA St. Petersburg. During the 2024-25 season, he earned 17 goals and 27 assists in 49 regular-season games, putting him amongst SKA St. Petersburg’s top five in points, goals, and assists. He continued his strong play throughout the team’s six-game playoff run, notching one goal and four assists, tying him for the lead in postseason points. Gritsyuk’s track record in Russia speaks for itself, but as he prepares to make the leap to the NHL, he remains focused, stating, “I’ll arrive and prove myself. That’s how it works.”
In May, Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald announced the team had signed their 2019 draft pick to a one-year, entry-level contract. Since then, Gritsyuk has been doing his homework on both the NHL and the Devils. He noted that the NHL has a heightened intensity compared to the KHL, saying “forechecking always ends with a hit” and describing “constant shots, traffic at the net, threats, and pressure from two or three players.” He has also expressed excitement about playing alongside Devils star Jack Hughes, whom he faced during the 2019 U18 World Championship, and says he’s looking forward to the full “experience at the arena.”
Given that Gritsyuk speaks little English and has only visited Edmonton in North America, his transition to the NHL lifestyle will be a challenging yet rewarding adjustment. Still, Devils fans remain hopeful that with Gritsyuk and fellow prospect Lenni Hämeenaho on the roster, their skill sets can add depth to the team’s middle six. His enthusiasm to work alongside the franchise will only strengthen his case as he looks to make a lasting impression in his NHL debut season. As the Devils continue to build a competitive core, young talent like Gritsyuk could prove to be a key part of their long-term success.
