Jack Devine

April 2025 – Devine has made the jump to professional hockey! He is currently with the Charlotte Checkers and has two assists in his first three professional games. The AHL is undoubtedly a step up for Devine, and a year there should be suitable for his development before jumping to the NHL. With his contract starting next season, and the Panthers’ future cap space uncertain, Devine should be able to earn a promotion to the NHL in the event of an injury if he continues to show the flashes he shows in the AHL. As the Checkers prepare for the AHL playoffs, Devine should be a large part of their game plan, especially on the power play. It will provide him with valuable professional playoff experience. James Connelly

March 2025 – Jack Devine is a Hobey Baker Top Ten Finalist for the second year. Last year, he was beaten out as a Hobey Hat Trick Finalist by Jackson Blake (CAR), Cutter Gauthier (ANA), and Macklin Celebrini (SJS). However, Devine has a much better shot this year after leading the entire NCAA in scoring with 56 points in only 41 games. The University of Denver senior matched his total from last year in three fewer games and did so in impressive fashion with a whopping 43 assists. What makes Devine special at the NCAA level is his passing ability, which may be the best in the entire NCAA. Whether threading the needle in the offensive zone or making a quick one-touch pass on a breakout, Devine consistently makes the right plays to put his teammates in a position to succeed. While concerns remain with his skating ability, from a pure playmaking perspective, Devine deserves to be an NHLer. The 21-year-old will be eligible to sign in Florida as soon as his season is complete, and the Panthers will certainly try to retain one of their most gifted prospects. However, Devine may elect to test NHL free agency, which would be a noticeable blow to the Panthers’ prospect pool. James Connelly

February 2025 – There is a very short list of players who have been better than Devine in the NCAA this season. His 45 points in 32 games are tied for the lead in the NCAA. Devine has accomplished essentially all that anybody can achieve in the NCAA, but will still try for a third NCAA championship with Denver, and he will have a good chance at doing so as Denver sits sixth in the national rankings. Devine’s playmaking is just a tier above the rest of the NCAA with his 36 assists, gapping the field as nobody else even has 30. His numbers are so good because he is the centerpiece of Denver’s dominant power play. Seemingly every single Denver power play chance gets facilitated through Devine. It is unknown if this role will be there for him at the NHL level, but if he can find it, watch out for him as he could surpass any expectation. James Connelly

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 power play. 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 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 power play 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 new level in 2023-24. When Florida took him near the end of the 2022 draft, he had below-average skills across the board. That situation seems to have changed in the last two years, 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 has a solid chance of making the majors. Expect to see him audition for a couple of 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 reflected 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 whether his defensive acumen will be enough to compensate for his lackluster production. Ben Gehrels