Devils Sign Anton Silayev to an Entry-Level Contract

Anton Silayev, New Jersey Devils (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Devils Sign Anton Silayev to an Entry-Level Contract

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Donnah Campbell | Last updated Jun 1, 2026 2:10 PM ET

Earlier today, New Jersey Devils general manager Sunny Mehta announced that the organization has signed defenseman Anton Silayev to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The Devils selected Silayev 10th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft due to his size, mobility, and potential to become a premier shutdown defenseman. He also has a physical edge to his game that could benefit the Devils — landing heavy hits and disrupting play, all while skating with poise.

BIG deal? Yeah, we'd say so.

We've signed Anton Silayev to a three-year, entry-level contract.

: https://t.co/vDihjFjFeC pic.twitter.com/z5gT3F25N4
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) June 1, 2026

Silayev first garnered attention playing in the Molodezhnaya Hokkeinaya Liga (MHL) in 2022-23, appearing in 41 games for the Chaika Nizhny Novgorod, where he established himself as a promising prospect with his playoff performance, earning two assists.

Anton Silayev, New Jersey Devils (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Silayev has spent the last three seasons in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, scoring six goals and 20 assists during the regular season. He also made three playoff appearances. His breakout season was in 2023-24, when he set the KHL record for the most points by a U18 Junior.

Silayev joined the Devils for development camp in 2024, but was unable to return the following year due to visa issues. Now, he’ll make the transition to North America and is expected to join the team for training camp in September. Fans have been anxiously awaiting the 20-year-old Russian’s arrival, and Silayev will finally have the chance to compete for a roster spot in 2026-27.

This article first appeared on The Hockey Writers and was syndicated with permission.

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