The Boston University to Devils Pipeline Is at Its Peak

For the first time in years, there are two New Jersey Devils prospects hailing from Boston University who will likely find themselves on the main roster in the coming seasons. 

Goaltender Mikhail Yegorov and forward Shane Lachance recently participated in the Devils’ development camp, showcasing the skills they’ve developed during their time in Beantown. Coached by two-time Stanley Cup champion and former Devil Jay Pandolfo, Lachance and Yegorov encompass the future talent coming to New Jersey. 

Yegorov, known for his big smile and all-around good-natured personality, draws some similarities to the Devils’ great, Martin Brodeur. “In their demeanor, composure, and calmness in the net, I see some similarities there. Being humble, caring about their teammates, and taking responsibility is something that Yegorov does as well. Marty was the same way,” Pandolfo said about the Hall of Famer and future Devil.

The hockey program at BU, combined with the coaching from Pandolfo, led the two prospects to the NCAA Frozen Four this past April at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri. After a devastating loss to Western Michigan, Lachance skated over to Yegorov, consoling his teammate and good friend. The two players have shared their excitement to continue as teammates at the NHL level, ready to reunite once again in black and red.

Mikhail Yegorov

Yegorov had no idea he’d be playing at Boston University in 2024, let alone as the starting goaltender in the NCAA Frozen Four at Enterprise Arena. The 6-foot-5 Russian-born Devils prospect had an unconventional start to his collegiate career with BU, receiving a penalty for stepping on the ice too early in his rookie debut against rival Boston College. 

A significant presence in net, Yegorov had an unbelievable freshman career with the Terriers, boasting a .927 save percentage (SV%) and a 2.15 goals-against average (GAA). Known as “Big Mike” by his teammates and fans, Yegorov was thrilled to be a part of development camp, persistently expressing his gratitude for being a part of the Devils program, saying in an interview, “I’m just trying to enjoy life. This place is the best place that I can be right now.”

Yegorov’s humility is not the only thing Devils fans have taken note of. Beyond his bubbly personality, the netminder is a formidable presence on the ice and is constantly working to improve his skill between the pipes – a trait that is crucial for the starting goaltender, especially the future one for the Devils.

Shane Lachance

Under the coaching guidance of Pandolfo, Lachance, the grandson of legendary former Terrier head coach Jack Parker and son of Scott Lachance, the head of US scouting for the Devils, excelled in his two seasons at BU, becoming the first sophomore captain in team history. 

Lachance has 57 points in two seasons as a Terrier and is known for using his height to his advantage and scoring gritty goals in the crease. In his sophomore campaign, he ranked fifth on the team in points (30), goals (12), and assists (18), and earned a reputation as a leader on and off the ice.