Somehow, Arseny Gritsyuk was one of the most anticipated things to happen this summer, and yet, he’s the most underrated thing for the New Jersey Devils right now.
Spittin’ Chiclets and Game Notes co-host/producer Pasha Eshghi joined Devils beat reporter James Nichols on the latest Devils Rink Report and didn’t hold back on his admiration for Arseny Gritsyuk. On Saturday, the 24-year-old forward further justified the notion, by forcing a turnover on Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang in the offensive zone and buried his third goal of the season to open the scoring in New Jersey’s 2-1 shootout win.
“I think we can all agree, like, we’ve been very impressed with Arseny Gritsyuk,” Eshghi said. “I mean, I know the numbers don’t pop off the page, but he has provided kind of that offense and that shot that they’re kind of missing. I have been so impressed with him. Like, it’s actually incredible watching him play. I feel like his point totals don’t match how good he’s been.”
Gritsyuk seems to do everything the right way. He came in as a Russian import with reasonable offensive expectations. However, he’s proven himself on all sides of the ice. Eshghi broke down the details that make Gritsyuk stand out every shift.
“His skating, he flies around the ice. His little quirky ways that he wins puck battles,” Eshghi explained. “I feel like every time he’s going for a 50-50 puck, he somehow comes out with it. His physicality on the boards. Everyone was sold on a shot, so I won’t even talk about that, but his shot’s electric. His playmaking, too.”
Grtisyuk has skated the majority of his time on the Devils’ third line. Whether that be centered by Cody Glass or Dawson Mercer, and flanked by one of Ondrej Palat, Connor Brown, or Timo Meier, the rookie forward has figured out a way to make an impact. in fact, Eshghi see’s a way for Gritsyuk to be even more of a threat.
“I have been so, so impressed by him,” Eshghi said. “I think, like, if this guy was able to play first line with Jack [Hughes] and [Jesper] Bratt and was getting power play time, his numbers would be popping, and people will be talking about him the same way they’re talking about [Ivan] Demidov and things like that. I’m not saying that he is as good as Demidov, but I feel like he is still so under the radar.”
Eshghi sees elite decision-making and reliability.
“Watching him every shift, I’m like, ‘Wow, he makes the right play 99% of the time.’ He’s winning battles. I think the sky’s the limit for this guy. And hopefully with some more usage, and [as he continues] to get used to the league, Gritsyuk’s stock is a stock that I am buying.”
He’s also eager for overtime glimpses.
“We haven’t gotten there because they’ve only played two overtime games, and they’ve won them quick. But I can’t wait for his first three on three OT shift. I think he’s going to be electric.”
Usage remains the final hurdle.
“It just comes down to usage, I feel like, right? If he’s not playing power play, and he’s on the third line, it doesn’t matter how good he is, he’s just not going to put up the numbers that will get him the votes. [Matthew] Schaefer has been incredible. Demidov has been incredible. But those guys are just being put in way more positions to succeed in terms of, just like, ice time, numbers wise, power play, etcetera, etcetera.”
With Saturday’s goal and another standout performance, Gritsyuk continues to make a compelling case that more minutes—and more recognition—are only a matter of time.
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