Jack Devine

October 2024 – To say Devine has gotten off to a hot start would be an understatement. Devine has tallied an assist in each of the Pioneers’ four games this year, scoring nine points. Devine is a cerebral player who can utilize his teammates, elevating them to their best version. It should be noted that six of Devine’s nine assists have come on the powerplay. In his final year in the NCAA, Devine will make a case for earning a roster spot for the Panthers late in the year, into the playoffs, and next season. His playmaking capabilities are high-end, and if he can be put in a position that allows him to succeed, there is no doubt that Devine will take advantage. James Connelly

August 2024 – After a monstrous season with the University of Denver, Devine earned a Hobey Baker nomination. While he did not win, he certainly had a strong case for it, leading Denver in goals and points. Devine’s 27 goals were good for fourth in the nation behind only 2024 1st overall pick Macklin Celebrini (SJS), 2022 5th overall pick Cutter Gauthier (ANA), and 2023 8th overall pick Ryan Leonard (WSH). Devine’s development from his draft year to now has been quite impressive. He elected to continue to develop at Denver for another year, going for a third national championship, to the disappointment of some Panthers fans. He projects as a complementary top-nine forward who could get powerplay time. Being such a well-rounded offensive player helps Devine’s NHL certainty, but his upside is limited as no single trait sticks out among the rest. Watch for him to get a cup of coffee in the NHL after his NCAA year is complete. James Connelly

January 2024 – Just past the halfway mark of the NCAA season, Devine leads the entire college circuit in goals scored. Alongside Massimo Rizzo (PHI), who continues to show sublime playmaking skills, Devine has taken his offensive game to a whole new level in 2023-24. At the time he was taken by Florida near the very end of the 2022 draft, he had below-average skills across the board. That situation seems to have changed in the two years since, which is excellent news for Panthers fans. Most seventh-round picks never see any NHL action, but Devine’s significant offensive progress this year means he now has a solid chance of making the majors. Expect to see him audition for a couple years in the minors before starting to get call ups with Florida. Ben Gehrels

December 2022 – After playing a depth role on a championship-winning U of Denver squad last year, Devine was taken by Florida near the end of the 2022 draft. As a seventh-round swing by the Panthers, Devine is trending quite well: his scoring is up as a sophomore, even though he is still more of a depth scorer, and he received an invite to the Team USA camp for the 2022 World Juniors. Although he was cut from the roster in the end along with Denver teammate Shai Buium (DET), the opportunity to attend was a reflection of Devine’s intangibles and defensive impact on the game–both valuable things for any team. His game should translate well to the professional ranks, perhaps after another college season; it remains to be seen, however, whether his defensive acumen will be enough to compensate for his lackluster production. Ben Gehrels