If there is one notable feature of Devils goaltending prospect Mikhail Yegorov, it is his smile. Whether on the ice or in the locker room, Yegorov maintains a wide grin that he attributes to his mother. This week, he brought his cheerful demeanor to Newark for the Devils’ annual Development Camp.
“I’m just trying to enjoy life,” Yegorov stated. “This place is the best place that I can be right now.”
At 19 years old, Yegorov has had reasons to smile over the past season. He began with Omaha of the USHL before joining Boston University in late January and making an immediate impact.
Yegorov played a crucial role in BU’s victory at the Beanpot tournament, recording 43 saves in a 4-1 win against top-ranked Boston College in the final game. Known as “Big Mike” by his teammates, he ended the season with an 11-6-1 record, a 2.15 goals-against average, and a .927 save percentage. His performance helped propel Boston University to the NCAA national title game, where they were defeated by Western Michigan.
“It was a big step for me. It was not planned,” said Yegorov about joining BU last year. “My plan was to stay in the USHL for the whole year… The team and coaches were very supportive.”
Yegorov’s move to North America at age 17 aimed at balancing athletic success with academic achievement. The St. Petersburg native emphasized education alongside hockey aspirations.
“For me, it was important to get a good education,” he explained. “I’m at BU, a very good school… I want to be an NHLer one day.”
Ranked as Central Scouting’s top North American goaltender for the 2024 NHL Draft, Yegorov was selected by New Jersey Devils with their second-round pick after trading up.
During this development camp week, Yegorov experiences skating on Devils’ practice rink and using their NHL locker room facilities.
“It’s great… We get so much attention,” noted Yegorov about participating in camp activities alongside notable figures like Marty Brodeur.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 180 pounds gives him physical advantages complemented by skills needed for high-level play.
“I’m athletic,” said Yegorov regarding his strengths while focusing on improving patience along with technical aspects such as stick handling consistency which remains vital especially within professional settings: “The most important thing is getting better mindset being consistent all time.”
Next season will see him return back under guidance from Boston University’s program bringing learned lessons forward combined inevitably accompanied yet again -by what else? That signature smile!
