Akira Schmid

January 2024 – Unfortunately, what seemed like the expectation that Akira Schmid was an almost certain to make the transition to the NHL has taken a slight bump. His current record (5-7-1, 3.26GAA, .893SV%) is similar to Starter Vitek Vanecek, who has also struggled this season in a difficult goaltending tandem for an underperforming Devils team. Schmid has been reassigned to the AHL, but still look poised for an NHL future, but him securing a proper lineup spot is a little further away than expected. – Austin Kelly

May 2023 – After posting impressive numbers (9-5-2, 2.13 GAA, .922 sv%) in the backup chair for New Jersey, Schmid took over for a struggling Vitek Vanecek and has looked like a legitimate NHL netminder. His .921 save percentage in seven games sits tied for fourth among post-season goaltenders with more than one game played, and his two shutouts in these playoffs represent a total superior to the sum of shutouts among every other goaltender combined. His high-energy style in the crease seems to match very well with the heightened tempo of post-season NHL hockey, but a larger sample size is imperative to projecting him as more than a flash in the pan for the Devils moving forward. Hadi Kalakeche

March 2022 – Schmid appeared in six games this year with the Devils, putting up lackluster numbers (4.33 GAA, .867 sv%) in his stint, but has been decent at the AHL level in 28 games (2.38 GAA, .918 sv%). He needs time, but could become a decent backup. Hadi Kalakeche

October 2021 – Schmid signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Devils. The team then sent him down to the Utica Comets, the Devils’ new AHL affiliate, where he will play professional hockey for the first time in his career. This season will be key in seeing how high Schmid’s ceiling truly is. Hadi Kalakeche

March 2020 – Schmid took a big step back this season mostly as injuries limited him to just 13 games started. His numbers were less than ideal as he barely compiled a .890 save percentage overall between Omaha and Sioux City of the AHL. He will need to get healthy and work on his lateral movement in the summer.   Chris Wassel 

November 2019 – Schmid has had a bit of a rough month with the Omaha Lancers but is still 2-2-1 with a 3.01 goals-against average and .891 save percentage. Omaha did stumble out of the gates a bit to start the season much like last year but Schmid looked good in his first three starts. Schmid has been out for almost two weeks with an undisclosed injury. Updates will come as conditions warrant. Chris Wassel

April 2019 – Schmid continues to impress and will continue to work in Omaha. He finished the season with Omaha at .500 with a 2.18 goals-against average and .926 save percentage. Those are impressive totals for a player transitioning from Europe to North America. Schmidt tailed off a bit in April but still had a career year. He learned patience is truly best on and off the ice. Chris Wassel 

March 2019 – Schmid bounced around a bit as he headed to North America this year. However, he has found a home with the Omaha Lancers. Omaha is a .500 team with Schmid which is surprising but the goalie’s numbers are even more shocking. He has a 2.03 goals-against average and .930 save percentage in 28 appearances. His 12-9-2 record with two shutouts offers a glimpse into the distant future for New Jersey. Just think, Schmid does not turn 19 until May. Chris Wassel