Devils Development Camp Recap: Cam Squires, Mikael Diotte, Tyler Brennan, & Dylan Wendt
more content from development Camp media availabilities and scouting reports lots of breakdown in part two of my Dev cam series buckle up everybody you’re locked on Devils your daily podcast on the New Jersey Devils part of the locked on podcast Network your team every day hi this is Grace Salvador and you’re locked on Devils trade Matthews scores oh Ste stepped up nailed him rodor got the pck what a shot the Devils win the Stanley Cup all righty now what is up New Jersey welcome back to lock on Devils podcast here on lockon network I’m your host College hockey play play announcer Del Puck pitch forks and also parttime credential Mia member Trey Matthews part two of three of my development Camp breakdown if you missed yesterday’s episode I gave the scouting reports for Ethan Edwards Josh Filman and toas Vin I also played their media availabilities from development camp and we’re going to do the same thing in part two and as you guys know I had the chance to cover development Camp last year but this time around just to fill you guys in once again I was covering the NHL draft in Las Vegas Nevada and there was no way I could make the trip out east to cover development camp at as well especially since free agency took place at around the same time I had to pick one or the other and obviously I was going to go with the draft in Las Vegas and hopefully next year we get more breathing room because I thought development Camp was going to be in mid July because it was around this time last year but just making do with what I got I apologize if it’s not as authentic as last year but like I said the show must go on and I do want to highlight some of these prospects and before I give you guys the prospects that I’m going to break down in today’s episode I first just want to let you know that I’ve been looking for Sheamus Casey’s media availability but I can’t find it anywhere why Sheamus Casey in particular well I would say he’s one of the more highly touted Devil’s prospects he was at development Camp he had that nice segment in which he was miked up for any of you who didn’t see it go over to the devil’s official YouTube channel and give it a listen it doesn’t seem like he did a media availability which I found somewhat odd and if he did do one I can’t find it anywhere let me know if it’s out there somewhere because I would like to play it on this show but in the meantime I know a lot of you are probably going to be asking like where’s Sheamus Casey’s media availability well there’s your disclaimer and if you’re wondering why Anton salv didn’t do a media availability well the reason for that is because he speaks very little English at the draft he had to have a translator makes sense for him not to do a media availability but let’s not harp on the negatives let’s focus on some prospects I would like to discuss in today’s episode first up is Cam Squires I actually did a one-on-one interview with Cam Squires not once but twice during development Camp last year would say he was one of my favorite prospects to talk to he was very Lively this past season with the Kate Breton Eagles of the qm jhl he appeared in 66 games he had 33 goals 39 assists for a grand total of 72 points and that success leaked over to the playoffs appearing in 14 matchups nine goals 11 assists 20 points and Squire stands six feet weighs 170 pounds he was drafted in the fourth round in last year’s draft by the Devils here’s the scouting report on Mr Squires Squires understands a playmaking game that deception works best against defenseman that the players who have the most space are the ones behind them on the attack and that he can hit these Rush trailers with ad rupt changes of speed and turns I think it’s safe to say that I think he would definitely fit in with the devil system if he has that sort of deception to his game and the the numbers don’t lie he actually performed really well this past season but without further Ado here’s cam Squire’s media availability during development Camp last season how do you feel you improved where were the biggest areas that you still want to continue to prove off of uh yeah I think I got a lot better in a lot of areas um just continuing to be more consistent in like all areas of my game I think defensively I keep coming a long way that’s a big thing that I prioritize and just my skating I think is one thing that I really took to heart to work on um I think just in season you’re you’re touching up on a lot of things but I think working on my stride and being you know quicker more explosive playing against bigger guys is going to be huge too this offseason what are the main focuses where are you practicing and how will this development Camp help you improve this offseason yeah I think like just those areas getting better getting bigger and stronger is is you know first and foremost in the gym working on that continuing to put on weight and size um and I think like I said my skating um and then just touching up on all the details you know you can never be satisfied with where you’re at just working on your skill uh good mix of skill practices uh getting in shape towards the end of the summer and then uh just continuing to be in the best area come uh come fall training camp you participated in the prospects challenge last season what did that experience teach you yeah I think it was fun um it was good to see all the prospects out there it’s definitely a step up from from Junior and you go there and it’s you know you kind of get your feet wet and you get your first taste of of how it all is at that level um it was fun it was a lot of learning experience for me uh I took advantage of it just learned you know I picked the brains of the older guys some of the guys that have been there for a few years and uh just adjusting to the speed and get better each game and you know by the time I left there I felt a lot more comfortable came strong year for you last season but got to the playoffs it looked like you took it up even one more Notch how’d you find that next level yeah I think it was just coming ready to play at the right time um I think just building all year uh like you said the prospects tournament that really kind of set the tone and I don’t think it was you know jumping up the level but just kind of thinking down to where you where you train at all year uh where you bring your level your compete is huge and I think playoff time is the most fun time of year and that’s where you get to see you know the best players be the best players and you know for us our team went on a good run uh it was exciting and uh yeah it was fun to play that hockey winning humanitarian of the year last year in the que Quebec major Junior League what does giving back to your community mean to you uh it’s huge I mean you know being a junior player and a small town keep BR and I think it’s important for me to connect with the community a little bit there um everybody back home it’s pretty close-knit to you know hockey community and the hockey world a small world too so I think for me it was just prioritizing how can I you know connect with the kids and the families around the community of Cape Breton um you know I’ve been there for three full seasons now I’m heading into my fourth um you know it’s been a second home to me and they’ve done a great job of Tak me in so I think just doing my part as a hockey player but then you know trying to go above and beyond and and give back to you know cuz they deserve it too what are some of the initiatives you did for like within the community uh just kind kind of set up a thing where uh we got me and my family got uh Four Season Tickets behind the net um we brought four kids who may not be able to go to the games uh with their family and stuff so the boys and girls club in cap Breton they a great Community uh you know place there for the kids to to come and share a spot together uh they came to the games and they got a hat and you know they got some popcorn and stuff and then after the game they would come down get a picture and I talk them for a little bit so it was just kind of a small thing but you know it went a long way with them there’s still more in store before we continue with today’s episode let me tell you about eBay Motors passion drive and patience the formula for winning championships is also what keeps your ride or die alive eBay Motors is everything you need to maintain your vehicle and level up to Peak Performance superchargers roof racks exhaust kits LED headlights and more whether you’re into speed power or style eBay Motors has got you covered with over 122 million parts for your number one ride or die you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for and with eBay guaranteed fit your part is guaranteed to fit your ride every time or your money back because with eBay motor you’re burning rubber not cash with all the parts you need at the price you want it’s easy to make your car the MVP and bring home huge wins keep your ride or die alive at ebaymotors.com eligible items only exclusions Supply eBay guaranteed fit only available to us customers okay Mikel de I hope I’m pronouncing that correctly he actually signed his entry-level contract with the Devils back in March he is a right-handed defenseman stands 6′ three weighs 205 pounds I can’t find a scouting report of him on Elite prospects however this past season playing for Drummondville of the qmjhl the same league in which cam Squires played in he saw 59 games of action he scored 12 goals 30 assists for a grand total of 42 points he also had a good showing in the playoffs appearing in 19 games three goals seven assists for a grand tot of 10 points here is de’s Media availability from development Camp let’s start here at Devil’s development Camp two days on the ice so far what are your first impressions of being here and how has this experience been I mean it’s a it’s a great organization great uh great opportunity for everybody here I mean um for example today we had a only a deep practice so uh we had the the possibility to work on specific things with coaches um we got a lot of support here so it’s pretty easy to to get better so we’re enjoying every moment you signed with the Devils a entry-level contract back in March what were the biggest areas they said they wanted to see you continue to improve and what did they really lay out as a potential role here I mean to to improve for sure it’s my play with pucks um everything around the blue line shooting pucks finding lengths and um for sure my my physical side my skating and uh um the way I’m playing defensively is the thing that they want me to to to bring here and to to uh keep improving I mean and um yeah it’s been a very fun Journey for you throughout your hockey hocke career what’s the significance of you being able to sign back in March um what you said sorry the significance to sign with the Devil is your entry level contract what did it mean to you oh I mean it’s it’s a dream come true I mean um I didn’t get draft my three First Years so uh being able to sign with the the New Jersey Devils was really really exciting for me um it helped me to to go through my my last season too uh it’s good for confidence so uh uh it helped me a lot and I’m really excited to to uh show them what I I can do on the yes your team won the championship this year a major Juniors what did you learn through that experience what was it like to win a championship what were some of the things you didn’t know about postseason hockey yeah I mean it’s it’s the first big run I did in my junior career um I was there since the beginning uh of the the rebuild um so learning how to win um being nice with people being a around of good people it’s it’s something that helped every players and um I mean just just playing again um against the best players in Canada for sure it helped me to improve my game too so it was a really good season to me and uh um I enjoy it a lot as uh someone who looked up to Maran Brer to be in this organization what’s the significance of that yeah yeah it’s it’s really nice he’s a he’s from Quebec too so um I was watching him growing up um and on my first interview with them he was there so it was really special for me and also for my father he was a big fan of Martin brother because he was a goalie when he was younger so yeah it was it was special and uh it was by far the easiest interview I had with NHL team cuz he was there so it was it was pretty nice did you get see him so far in development Camp here uh I didn’t have the chance to talk with him but um for sure if I I saw him I’ll say a little Li so yeah and what’s your plans for next year uh for sure my objective is to to play for UDA comets um it will be the first step of my professional career I think so I’ll I’ll work car during this summer and uh try to to do my best at camp and where are you planning on training this summer uh in Quebec I’ll stay U I’m here um I’m there since uh I’m 12 years old so uh um I’m pretty uh I’m pretty uh I don’t know how to say it but like I’m familiar with with them so they know what I need to work and what I need to improve so uh it’s going to be a Hard Summer for me a good summer to uh to improve everything um uh off the ice and on the ice so pretty excited about it what do you think is the biggest difference in your game from last year to this year and maybe what made the Devils come to you with that contract uh I mean uh I always been a good defensive defenseman but this year for sure uh I bring more offense I had more opportunities to uh to show the side of my game so uh for sure it’s something that the the Devils might have seen in me okay another player who signed this entry-level contract with the Devils is Tyler Brennan a goalie from Winnipeg Manitoba Canada he was elected in the fourth round in 2022 here’s the scouting report on Brennan he remains unflinchingly dedicated to facing the bulk of the play out in front of the blue paint and eliminates countless opportunities for his opponents to get him turned around the same way younger less disciplined goenda deck Thunder appearing in 13 games he had a goals against average of 3.16 and a sa percentage of 896 and he also recorded one shut out his win loss record was five and five still some work to do but that’s why some of these players are in the minor so that way they can develop their craft just a little bit more here’s what Brennan had to say at development Camp first pro season down the ECHL what did you learn most about your game and what it takes to be a professional goenda was just um the habits you need to be to to be a professional athlete and um I think that was a big learning step for me was um figuring out you know how to eat right how to do it all yourself um you know just the professional habits I think I picked up on was was big success who did you rely on to learn that stuff from um I just asked you know some of the coaches some of my friends I know that uh that are professional athletes professional hockey players and um they helped me out a lot and um the end of the season when Isaac polter came down he lived with me and he uh he showed me some of his Pro habits and um I picked up on those and I think that was a good thing for me what’s next what what do you want to focus on what’s this offseason look like uh I think the big thing for me is is Pace in Pace in my game um you know every level you move up it gets faster and you need to be stronger and quicker so I think I just got to focus on on get my Pace up what’s your biggest goal for this upcoming season um I want to play the best that I can um wherever I am and for whatever team and um if I ever get uh a chance to be called up anywhere then I want to be ready to go for that and um just play play the best for for the team I’m with and then um hopefully move up the ladder what’s the biggest trick for mental acity when you’re a go tend like how do you work on the mental aspect of your game uh I think well obviously mental side of the game for goalie is um pretty big um I just try and have that mentality of um save the next Puck if a goal goes in just just keep playing and and keep playing my game and then stop the next one what are you taking away from this development camp and just being able to have the resources of everyone here different levels of talent just being able to play against some really tough players this week yeah I I think it’s great seeing um all these guys out here um some really good players out here which is which is good to see and um you know take everything and I can from from all the the great coaching staff they have here and um absorb everything I can for for the few days that we’re here and then um take that back with me for the rest of the summer I know that markom was a big storyline for the Devils have you ever followed his career he’s one of the goenda look towards I have yeah in the last few years I’ve been I’ve been watching him um I like how he plays the game and um was trying to pick a few things out of his game and and try and Implement them into M and um you know obviously he’s had some success lots of success actually in the in the past so um just trying to look at him and um try and be like him pretty much and have have success like him specifically what are one of the one or two of the areas that you really like about his game I think just how he plays positionally and and how uh um competitive he is I think is a big one um going back to getting more Pace in my game I think the competitive side is is really important so just trying to get there and get better at that is there anything in particular you feel you improved in your game this past season um kind of along the same lines as what I’ve been talking about with the with the pace side I think um even just last year I could uh notice a difference in in how quickly I am in in the crease and I think I can still get to another level so I’m going to continue to work on that but I think that was a big one for me was there anything that at a rondax playoff run taught you I think just um you got to be a team you got to you know work for every single person in that locker room and and if you don’t then you can’t make it far and um we came up a a strong team in Florida and um you know they’re just like us everyone would do whatever for anyone in that room and I think that’s a big thing is just chemistry with their teammates before we wrap up today’s episode let me tell you about game time I actually love using game time I’ve used it to purchase myself some MLB and NBA tickets last minute deal save up to 60% off buying last minute for sports concerts comedy theater and more save even more with exclusive inapp deals on select seats ahead of the game or event save even more when you choose a section let game time choose the seats toggling this feature shows the toll upfront with no surprise fees at checkout that’s Allin pricing seat views get a good view from your SE in the app before you buy the lowest price guaranteed or game time will credit you 110% of the difference game time ticket coverage your purchase is covered with the most flexible customer service policy in ticketing in industry download the game time app create an account and use code locked on NHL for $20 off your first purchase terms apply again create an account and redeem code locked on NHL for $20 off download game time today last minute tickets lowest price guaranteed okay the last prospect on the docket is a guy from Michigan not the University of Michigan but the state of Michigan hang on a second Michigan State University that’s another school in Michigan anyway this guy is from Grand Haven Michigan he’s a right winger stands 6 foot one weighing in at 185 pounds it is Dylan went who also signed an entry-level contract with the Devils he played for Western Michigan University and the udica Comets this past season while playing for the Broncos of WMU he appeared in 38 games 23 goals 21 assists for a grand total of 44 points and for the comments he he appeared in five games one goal one assist for a grand toll of two points I just have a soft spot in my heart for players who hail from Michigan my original home state anyway here’s what Wentz had to say to the media during development Camp what a year you had last year I mean you really jumped up in your offensive production one the top power play guys what allowed you to take a huge step with your production last season uh yeah I mean just consistency you know going in as a freshman you got all those big dogs those guys to look up to um learning every day coming to the rink ready to go um and not really caring where you’re at you know you got to just trust the process and and put your head down uh it sounds cliche uh it works and you know I’ve just been working hard and there’s a great staff around uh around me there at Western and and the teammates were great and and just all that allowed me to be successful and then really have a breakthrough year college hockey has really become a pipeline to the NHL what about that level of play at College hockey allows you to really develop your game yeah I just feel like it gets you ready to go um there’s not a whole bunch of games so you really work hard in the practice uh get the finer details down and and and really love the game you know uh when you go in and play maximum 35 games it’s your itching to play games and get out there so every time you can uh you step on of the ice you’re grateful ready to go and and and it’s just it’s just the process there uh big strong uh guys come in a little later a little older um more ready to go and uh it’s it’s just good overall to get you ready and and get ready for that next step how about the other side of it where you’re balancing classes you have the resources like nutrition and actual strength coaches how can that also help yeah I mean definitely with the school part too right you’re you’re a student athlete and and they really emphasize that um so being able to balance it they work it with you uh but but you really got to have uh time in your schedule and and really be committed for when you’re either in the classroom on the ice in the gym uh eating off the ice too is just just all those little steps that that make you a great hockey player and and and you you stayed true to it dedicated and F the right path that it’ll work out for you D if you could just seen set for us I mean you sign your first pro contract what was that like for you crazy yeah I was uh a college kid one day and the next I was flying out on the plane getting ready to play a hockey game uh in the AHL uh it was a crazy experience uh you know so many things could happen uh at the end of the year especially and and trying to stay focused at the season that we had uh being in the tournament and all that so uh a lot came uh onto the page there right away so it it was crazy but I handled it well it was it was a great experience and and I loved every minute of it were there was it Devils all the way other teams calling as well what was that like yeah yeah talking to other teams uh just seeing the right fit um you know where would be the best spot location obviously I chose here I’m glad I did um there’s great resources great people great coaches uh and great players all around me um it’s a great spot I’m glad I chose it and I’m grateful for the opportunity and and I’m ready to go uh come October and when you put pens of paper who from the team reached out from you first to congratulate you and welcome you yeah I was just talking to all the coaches and the GMS and stuff uh a couple of the AHL guys reaching out I I didn’t really know too many people going into it um I kind of liked it that way right it’s that fresh start and you kind of just get to go in there clean slate and and just go out there and prove yourself uh so so in a way I I was happy that that’s how it was and that was the situation and it’s been great ever since what what stuck out to you in your short time in UDA uh just the players and the coaches uh coming in there I didn’t know what to expect you know uh being the younger guy and then and the rookie just playing playing a couple games you know I wasn’t sure how they were going to react and respond um it ended up being great all the guys were awesome um super cool uh welcoming great advice and and they just kind of helped me with my first game and and the next few after that so it was it was awesome on the ice as well were there any major differences between the AHL level and the college level uh yeah I didn’t notice too much obviously everything’s a little better quicker faster guys are stronger a little older too uh more assistent um so it’s just the Minor Details that I noticed were were stepping up a notch um definitely something that I could handle and and and I thought I did well in so it it was a great experience and I I didn’t think it was too overwhelming and I jumped right in and and started playing right away so what’s your main focus for this offseason to make sure you’re ready for Pro Hockey next year yeah I’m glad I got my uh my toes wet there uh playing pro hockey kind of kind of knowing what to expect um you know it gives you things and and little details to work on so I mean just speed strength you know work on the shot all always you’re never good enough at something so I’m just trying to round the game out the best I can and just keep on working I hope you guys enjoyed part two of my development Camp breakdown and there’s still more in store we got one more day of development Camp to talk about on this show I wanted to show the prospects of love and leave a comment down below if you’re watching on YouTube is there any other prospects that you hope to see play in a devil’s uniform very soon maybe this upcoming season Once Again leave a comment down below if you’re watching on YouTube if you’re listening on podcast streaming service hit me up on my personal xpage app at trat 4 or the show’s xpage app at lockon Devils as for episode that’s all the time I have for you continue to stay safe have a wonderful day New Jersey go Devils I’ll catch you guys in the next episode thanks for listening once again
Part two of my New Jersey Devils Development Camp breakdown. Today’s episode features media availabilities from Cam Squires, Mikael Diotte, Tyler Brennan, and Dylan Wendt.
Interview soundbites: Cam Squires, Mikael Diotte, Tyler Brennan, and Dylan Wendt (Courtesy of the New Jersey Devils)
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LODevils?sid=YouTube
Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More
🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL
Subscribe to Locked On Devils!
Follow me on the “X” app: @treymatt4
Follow the show on the “X” app: @LockedOnDevils
Listen to Locked On Devils: https://linktr.ee/LockedOnDevils
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
eBay Motors: For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.
Policygenius: Check life insurance off your to do list in no time with Policygenius. Head to policygenius.com/lockedonnhl to get your free life insurance quotes and see how much you could save.
Ultimate Hockey GM: Ever dreamed of becoming an NHL GM and managing your hockey franchise? Well now you can with Ultimate Hockey GM. It’s completely free and Locked On listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDONNHL in the game store. To download the game just visit hockeygm.app or look it up on the app stores. Ultimate Hockey GM – Start your dynasty today!
Gametime: Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase.
FanDuel: FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARENTEED That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – win or lose! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Thumbnail credit: USA TODAY
#NewJerseyDevils #Devils #NHL #CamSquires #MikaelDiotte #TylerBrennan #DylanWendt #DevelopmentCamp #Prospects