New Jersey Devils goalie prospect Mikhail Yegorov uses video games to help with hockey

June 7, 2026 - 12:09

The New Jersey Devils find themselves in a tricky spot between the pipes, at least for the immediate future. Veteran goalie Jacob Markstrom struggled through a difficult season, yet general manager Tom Fitzgerald committed to him with a two-year contract extension. That decision leaves the team betting on a rebound, but it also puts a spotlight on the development pipeline.

Enter Mikhail Yegorov, a Devils goaltending prospect who is taking an unconventional approach to sharpening his game. Instead of spending every free hour on the ice, Yegorov is logging serious time in front of a screen. He uses video games, specifically hockey simulators, to study positioning, read plays, and visualize game situations.

Yegorov says the games help him break down angles and anticipate movements in a low-pressure environment. He treats each virtual match like a film session, paying attention to where shooters tend to aim and how defenses break down. The goalie prospect believes this mental repetition translates directly to real saves.

While some might dismiss it as just play, Yegorov insists the practice keeps his hockey mind active even when he is not training physically. For a Devils organization looking for long-term stability in net, any edge counts. If Yegorov can blend his digital training with real-world skill, he might just become the answer to New Jersey's goaltending puzzle.