Yegorov was a sponge during Devils development camp, taking in all he could and performing well when it was time to shine.
His recent success has turned him into a well-known commodity in the Devils pipeline.
“His name came up at the trade deadline and we know we have a good one there,” New Jersey general manager Tom Fitzgerald said. “The thing about goaltending is you just don’t know when they’re going to arrive, but he’s got a great personality. He loves the game and he’s good … that’s exciting.”
Yegorov went 11-6-1 with a 2.15 goals-against average, .927 save percentage and one shutout in 18 games (all starts) as a freshman last season.
“Obviously it was a big step for me, as it was not planned,” he said. “I was planning on staying in USHL the whole year, but it was obviously a transition for me. BU was very supportive. I mean, it was all great just to start working and getting my feet wet right away. I was lucky to start playing there, getting time, getting wins. Trying to just get my job, and then slamming into the boards (near the BU Dog Pound) … it was a great atmosphere.”
Yegorov made his NCAA debut against rival Boston College on Jan. 25, allowing one power-play goal and finishing with a .958 save percentage in a 2-0 loss.
“Having my first college start at (Boston College) with 7,500 people chanting against you, it was amazing,” he said. “I’m just athletic, that’s my biggest strength. As I grow up, I’m trying to be more patient, more present. I want to use my size, but at the same time be very athletic and use my reflexes.”
He won five of his first nine NCAA games, including two games to help BU win its 32nd Beanpot, a four-team tournament between Boston’s top college hockey programs (BU, Boston College, Northeastern, Harvard). Yegorov also earned the Eberly award as the goalie with the highest save percentage, stopping 69 of 71 shots in two starts (.972 save percentage) in his first Beanpot.
“He’s very focused and very competitive and wants to do well,” Pandolfo said. “I can see it with how he acts … he’s grateful for the opportunity to be at Boston University and not just for the athletic portion of it. He’s a very good student and really enjoys going to school.
“It’s not easy coming in halfway through the college season, all the adjustments you have to make and the routines you have to get used to. He didn’t just come in and take cupcake courses, either. He took some really difficult classes and did well on all of them. He just really enjoyed his time in the semester he was here, and we certainly enjoyed having him and are really looking forward to hopefully having him for some time.”