The Devils hope Stillman can be a ‘long-term contributor’ to the franchise

NEWARK, NJ — It took Chase Stillman one season in the American Hockey League to fully understand the player he needed to be at the next level for the New Jersey Devils.

“There’s more to my ceiling that I think I can hit, and a lot of that comes with confidence and opportunity,” said the 21-year-old forward, who was selected by the Devils with the number 29 pick. 2021 NHL Draft. “I finished my freshman year and now I get another full summer in the gym to get stronger and work on the things I’ve been told to do.”

Stitman (6-foot-1, 185 pounds) had 24 points (14 goals, 10 assists) in 54 games for Utica of the AHL last season, and his production and career-like performance went unnoticed by the team of the New Jersey administration.

“We absolutely believe that over time Chase will be able to contribute to our core team in New Jersey, whether it’s this season or maybe his third season,” Devils assistant general manager Dan MacKinnon said during the team’s development camp. on July 2. “He’s got the ability to swing, he’s definitely got that competitive edge, which was probably the most impressive thing in Utica for a 20-year-old coming out of minor hockey in that tough North Division of the AHL.”

Stitman is the son of former NHL player Cory Stillman, who played 16 seasons and won two Stanley Cups, with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004 and the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006. He is the younger brother of Hurricanes defenseman Riley Stillman.

“Dad was the sixth pick (by the Calgary Flames in the 1992 NHL Draft), but I’m sure he played two full years in the minors,” Chase said. “It just goes to show that it doesn’t matter when you come in, it’s just putting your foot in the door and it’s up to you to stay there. Someone is always coming for your job.”

Stitman, who signed his three-year, entry-level contract with the Devils on August 20, 2021, is expected to play his second season in Utica, but not before going to training camp with New Jersey in September.

“Chase is honest in the way he does his business. He’s a hardworking kid,” Utica coach Kevin Dineen said. “He leaves early, he wants to take a step to be better. He’s had some injury challenges, and that’s part of the package when you play the game the way he does. There aren’t a lot of controversies that he runs away from, so that will be part of his package to be an impact player.

“I think he has a good sense of how he needs to play, and sometimes he won’t show up on the score sheet, but given his ability and the way he’s progressing, we’re very excited that he’s going to be a long-time full-time owner here in Newark.”

Stitman can play wing or center and has the ability to contribute on the power play, which he did in Utica last season. He said he appreciates what Dineen has done to help advance his game.

“My dad said to me going into Utica that if you play the way you’re supposed to play, Kevin Dineen will respect you,” Stillman said. “Obviously Kevin fought for every inch he got in the NHL, and that’s something I have to do.

“I think he sees that a little bit and worked with me. It’s nice to model my game after someone who is very close to me.”