Maltsev Adjusting To Smaller Ice With Devils

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- Mikhail Maltsev kicked off his North American pro hockey career in the Binghamton Devils’ 4-3 loss to the Utica Comets on Saturday.

The 21-year-old was one of two rookies skating for the Devils on opening night—goalie Evan Cormier the other—and the 2016 fourth-round pick finished with an assist for his first career point.

“Pretty good, I would’ve wanted a win but pretty good,” Maltsev said after the game. “I have to get used to the fast game, to the small ice arena.”

Maltsev setup Nathan Bastian with a slick backdoor pass for Binghamton’s first goal of the game against the Comets. Bastian’s strike put the Devils up, 1-0, at 13:34 of the first period.

“He’s got a real good handle of the puck,” coach Mark Dennehy said of Maltsev postgame. “He sees the ice well. He’s got real good stick strength, good patience and when he’s playing, moving his feet, he’s going to be a very good hockey player.”

Maltsev spent the past three years with SKA Petersburg in Russia, alternating between the KHL and VHL teams, before signing his entry-level contract with the Devils this past summer.

The 6-foot-3, 198-pounder appeared in three preseason games for the New Jersey Devils which was highlighted by a spectacular goal against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden Sept. 20. New Jersey announced 20 demotions two days later that included Maltsev and a bulk of Binghamton’s roster.

Now that both the NHL and AHL lineups are set, at least for the time being, Maltsev will get opportunities to work on his game with the Devils, which in turn, should benefit Binghamton as the season wears on.

“Obviously, he has parts of his game that he needs to work on but his puck skills, his vision, his stick strength…it’s NHL caliber,” Dennehy said.

“I need to work on my speed,” Maltsev said. “First game (I need to) make quick decisions and shoot more.”

In Saturday’s loss, Maltsev skated on a line with Chris Conner and Marian Studenic. The trio combined for two points but finished as a -1. Maltsev said they’re all working on building chemistry together and recognized that they still have plenty of time to do so.

Maltsev also saw time on the Devils second power-play unit, where he served as the elbow along the right wall.

“It was a little bit uncomfortable because I always play in front of the net because I am a big guy,” Maltsev said. “But I think I have a really good hands to play on the wall, so I like it.”

Along that right side was where No. 23 registered his assist which was followed by a raucous celebration by the 4,204 fans inside Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena.

“It’s good,” Maltsev said. “I like playing in front of the fans.”

As one of the only first-year plays on the Devils, it will undoubtedly take some time for Maltsev to feel comfortable in his new environment but the Russian winger as the tools to be an impact player for Binghamton in 2019-20.