A Defining Moment: The NHL Draft
Anton Silayev is selected by the New Jersey Devils with the 10th overall pick during the first round of the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Anton Silayev, the towering 6-foot-7 defenseman from Sarov, Russia, had a landmark moment in his young career when he was selected 10th overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. At just 18 years old, Silayev's journey from playing in Russia's KHL to being a top draft pick in the NHL has been nothing short of extraordinary.
"Emotions cannot be described, you are in anticipation of something important, everything is bright, beautiful, modern, everything is well organized," Silayev said about the draft held in Las Vegas. The excitement and scale of the event were overwhelming, and being picked by the Devils was a significant milestone for him.
Insights from the Devils Development Camp
Silayev recently attended the New Jersey Devils development camp, gaining valuable insights into the competitive nature of the NHL. He was impressed by the intensity and speed of the practices, which highlighted the high standards expected in professional hockey.
Meeting Russian coach Sergey Brylin was another highlight of the camp. Brylin offered crucial advice on what Silayev needed to work on and his next steps in development.
"There was a wish to develop physicality. This is the most important thing at this stage."
Silayev’s time in the USA was eye-opening, providing him with a firsthand look at the country and its scale. He described the experience as like stepping into a new world, with everything he had seen in movies and TV shows becoming real.
"It was like a new world for me, and now I really know what America is, what it looks like. I was amazed by the scale of everything, it was pretty impressive. It’s like pictures I saw in movies, in TV shows – they all became real to me. In Las Vegas, huge buildings were astonishing, despite the wild heat of +40."
Despite the busy schedule at the Devil's camp, which included medical and physical tests, practices, and various team activities, Silayev appreciated every moment.
"In the morning we had medical and physical tests, then practices, rest, and after that we went to team events. On the first day we went to see children with disabilities, on the second day we were taken to go karting, and on the third day we got to American football, which was also very cool."
Learning English has been another challenge for Silayev. Initially struggling with the language, he gradually adapted and now recognizes its importance for his career.
Silayev's Inspirations and Aspirations
Silayev admires several NHL players, particularly the Hughes brothers from the Devils, and defensemen Victor Hedman and Rasmus Dahlin. He aspires to develop similar qualities in his play, especially Hedman's vision and scoring ability.
"Honestly, I didn't follow the NHL much, after all, it's a different time zone, and we have a lot of games in the KHL. I knew the Hughes brothers from the Devils. In the NHL, I followed Victor Hedman from Tampa Bay and Rasmus Dahlin from Buffalo more closely."
When asked about the qualities he lacks compared to Victor Hedman, Silayev said: "Vision of the playground, he shoots a lot, finding the lanes. And his scoring, of course, he plays very effectively."
Silayev acknowledges the areas he needs to improve to become a more effective offensive player. "There is still a lot of work to do on this, because hockey is changing, defenders are becoming more attacking, we need to be able to play great offense."
Mentorship from Igor Larionov
Igor Larionov, a Hockey Hall of Famer and current coach in the KHL, has been a significant mentor for Silayev. After the draft, Larionov congratulated him but reminded him that the hard work is just beginning. “Yes, he wrote me right away: 'Anton, congratulations to you, but this is only a small bonus to your current success, there is a lot of work ahead.”
Balancing Academics and Hockey
In addition to his hockey career, Silayev has managed to balance his education, recently graduating from high school with plans to attend university. This balancing act has required significant effort, but he acknowledges the support from his teachers and tutors, which has allowed him to pursue both academic and athletic goals simultaneously.
Optimism for the Future
Anton Silayev's journey reflects a blend of dedication, resilience, and support from mentors and family. As he continues to develop his skills and prepare for the upcoming season, his experiences in North America and guidance from seasoned coaches like Igor Larionov position him well for future success in hockey. Silayev’s story is a testament to the hard work and determination required to succeed at the highest levels of the sport.
