Devils sign prospect Eric Gelinas, add D Dan Kelly

Press Release

Newark, NJ – The Devils today signed two players: defensemen Eric Gelinas and Dan Kelly. The announcement was made by Devils’ President/CEO/ General Manager Lou Lamoriello. As per club policy, no further terms were disclosed.

Gelinas, 19, was New Jersey’s second choice, and 54th overall selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. The 6-4, 190-lb. defenseman split the 2009-10 season between Lewiston and Chicoutimi, combining for six goals and 25 assists for 31 points and 59 penalty minutes in 61 QMJHL games played. Gelinas added one goal and four assists for five points and six penalty minutes in six post-season contests. Born May 8, 1991 in Vanier, Ont., he spent his first two full seasons of junior hockey in 2007-08 and 2008-09 with the MAINEiacs. Prior to being drafted, Gelinas participated in the 2009 CHL Top Prospects Game.

Kelly, 21, spent the past five seasons with Kitchener (OHL), totaling 11 goals and 71 assists for 82 points and 277 penalty minutes in 235 appearances. The 6-1, 215. lb. defenseman saw action in 58 games this past season, posting six goals and 21 assists for 27 points and 99 penalty minutes while serving the Rangers as captain. Kelly added four goals and nine assists for 13 points and 23 penalty minutes in leading Kitchener to the Western Conference Finals. Born May 17, 1989 in Morrisonville, NY, he will attend his first NHL training camp in September. Kelly was not drafted.

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)