After a solid start to his professional career, Devine exploded in the Calder Cup playoffs, scoring five points in seven games and proving to be one of the Checkers’ most lethal offensive weapons. When it came to point-per-game scoring in the AHL playoffs Devine was second on the Checkers, only to John Leonard, who led the team. Devine is a cerebral player who definitely deserves more attention than he is getting. He is expected to be one of the Checkers’ premier offensive options this coming year and should establish himself as one of the top rookies in the AHL.

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.

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.

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.

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.