OHL In The System: New Jersey Devils

This 32-part series will spotlight OHL players who are either signed to an NHL or AHL contract or are recently drafted, and are 25 years old or younger with 50 or fewer NHL games played.

Join us for OHL In the System!

Today, let’s dive into the New Jersey Devils’ rising stars with OHL roots. 

Trenten Bennett (G) – Owen Sound Attack (2024-25)
Selected: 4th Round, 99th Overall (2025)
OHL Career Stats: 6 GP, 2.65 GAA, .923 SV%, 1-4-0-0
Age: 19

Trenten Bennett, the third OHL goaltender selected in the 2025 NHL Draft, was taken 99th overall by the New Jersey Devils. The Kitchener, Ont., native appeared in six games for the Owen Sound Attack, recording a 2.65 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage – highlighted by a shutout in his first career OHL win. He spent the majority of the season with the Kemptville 73’s in the CCHL and is committed to St. Lawrence University for the 2025-26 NCAA season.

Cole Brown (LW) – Hamilton/Brantford Bulldogs (2021-25)
Selected: 6th Round, 164th Overall (2023)
OHL Career Stats: 241 GP, 75 G, 97 A, 172 PTS, -10
Age: 20

Cole Brown wrapped up his final OHL season with a career-best 33 goals, second most on the team, and 70 points in 67 regular-season games. He added nine more points (2-7–9) across 11 playoff appearances. Looking ahead, Brown has committed to the University of Notre Dame for the 2025-26 NCAA season.

Nico Daws (G) – Guelph Storm (2017-20)
Selected: 3rd Round, 84th Overall (2020)
OHL Career Stats: 72 GP, 2.94 GAA, .909 SV%, 34-20-5-6
Age: 24

Nico Daws spent the majority of the 2024–25 season with the Utica Comets of the AHL, appearing in 34 games and posting an 11-20-3 record, along with a 3.16 GAA, a .893 SV%, and one shutout. He also made six appearances with the New Jersey Devils, where he impressed with a 1.60 GAA, a .939 SV%, and one shutout. Overall strengthening his case for a full-time NHL role heading into next season.

Jonathan Gruden (LW) – London Knights (2019-20)
Acquired: March 08, 2025
OHL Career Stats: 59 GP, 30 G, 36 A, 66 PTS, +20
Age: 25

Acquired through a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins in March, Jonathan Gruden joins the Devils organization after spending the majority of the 2024-25 season with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL as an assistant captain. Coming to Utica, he was able to suit up for 18 games where he recorded 5 points (1-4–5).

Tomorrow on In The System, we’ll take a look at the OHL Talent inside the Calgary Flames organization!