Squires, Steeves Build Case for Larger Utica Roles

Cam Squires and Ben Steeves each scored Tuesday as the New Jersey Devils prospects closed their rookie showcase with a 4-3 shootout win against the New York Islanders.

Squires, 21, completed his fourth Devils rookie camp and drew praise from Utica Comets coach Ryan Parent after scoring in the third period. Parent highlighted Squires' skill and ability to find openings in the offensive zone.

Squires is coming off a 16-point rookie season in 47 games with Utica. The fourth-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft remains a candidate for a larger role with the Comets and a possible NHL call-up if his two-way game continues to develop.

Steeves also scored on the power play early in the third period. The 24-year-old joined the Devils organization in the June trade that sent Jacob Markstrom and Angus Crookshank to Florida.

Steeves led the Charlotte Checkers with 45 points on 23 goals and 22 assists last season. New Jersey re-signed him to a one-year, two-way contract in July. His experience and production make him a candidate for a significant role in Utica if he does not earn an NHL roster spot.

Matyas Melovsky and Mikael Diotte each finished the two rookie games with two points. New Jersey completed the showcase with a 1-1 record before shifting its focus to main training camp.

Squires and Steeves are both on New Jersey's training-camp roster. Their rookie-showcase performances strengthened their cases for larger roles in Utica and consideration for NHL call-ups.