The New Jersey Devils have benefitted all too well via the pipeline from the University of Michigan Hockey Club to the NHL. Following the 2023-24 season, a significant chunk of the Michigan Wolverines turned pro and signed their first NHL contracts. However, returning for his senior year at Michigan is Devils prospect defenseman Ethan Edwards — who is ready to take on an increased role with the Wolverines.
Two seasons ago, Edwards watched former Michigan teammate, Luke Hughes, sign his entry-level deal and make an instant impact in New Jersey. This summer, the Devils prospect watched Seamus Casey sign his entry level contract with the Devils as well.
Note: Conversation has been lightly edited for clarity.
“I mean, (Casey) is unbelievable. His instincts, his skills are honestly something I’ve never seen before,” Edwards explained earlier this summer at development camp. “So the stuff you can do out there individually and then the way he finds teammates is so impressive. I’m so excited for him and to see what he can do next year.”
That’s not all in terms of teammates Edwards has watched turn pro in his time playing for the University of Michigan.
From Owen Power and Matty Beneirs, to Frank Nazar and Rutger McGroarty, Edwards has watched many of his teammates flock to the NHL.
On Tuesday, the Wolverines named their leadership group. Edwards will wear the “A” for a second season as the team’s alternate captain alongside TJ Hughes. Jacob Truscott has been named the captain of Michigan.
Similarly to the team who drafted him, Edwards went through some hard times last season. A shoulder injury restricted the Devils prospect to just 21 games in which he scored three goals and 10 points.
Yet, Edwards is taking an optimistic outlook since overcoming the obstacle, showcasing why Michigan chose to restore the letter “A” on his sweater in 2024-25.
“With the shoulder, you feel almost healthy pretty early on,” Edwards explained. “You feel like you can get on the ice before the doctor’s actually clear you. So I think that’s the hardest part. Just accepting that you’re not going to be out there, you can’t help your team. We had ups and downs throughout the first half of the season, so just seeing that from the stands was so tough — not being able to do anything. But, I’m almost glad I went through it. I think it’s a part of hockey, injuries are definitely a part of the sport. Hopefully there’s not a next time, but if it was ever happened again, then I think I’d be mentally prepared.”
Edwards went on to explain that the consistency he put into his rehab translated to confidence on the ice when he returned in the playoffs.
The Devils prospect defenseman contributed in a big way when he got back on the ice, starting a comeback by scoring a game-tying goal versus Michigan State, which secured a spot for the Wolverines in the NCAA’s 2024 Frozen Four.
New Jersey Hockey Now asked what that goal did to his confidence.
“I think it was just proving to myself that making a return was so special,” Edwards explained.” And, to make an impact at the end of the season, like I did, the way that my game developed by the end of the season was just… like you said, builds my confidence. Going into next season, I hope to build on that even further.”
Looking ahead to next season, Edwards will be relied on a lot more after so much turnover.
“I just want to continue to prove myself,” said Edwards on his aspirations for his senior year. “I know my role, I know I’m gonna put some more minutes up next season. So I’m super excited about that and ready for the opportunity.”
The Devils have a prospect in Edwards who has a high motor and high compete level. As a result, Edwards is a reliable defenseman in the defensive and neutral zones, can close in on puck carriers, and can transition pucks well due to his plus skating.
Because he went through some adversity last season, 2024-25 is all about proving he should be signed to a professional contract by this time next year.
The Devils have explained to Edwards they just want him to continue to sharpen his strengths.
“The main areas to improve are just to continue to work on my defensive game,” Edwards said. “[I have to] be okay with nothing happening out there, shut down their top players. That’s kind of the priority for me. My two-way game comes naturally, so jumping up in the play is kind of second nature to me. So I gotta sometimes tone it back and just pick my spots. What they like is I move my feet well, so just continue to skate and use my feet to my advantage and then just compete, work all over the ice.”
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