New Jersey
New Jersey Devils Prospect Update: Where Are They Now? Defensemen Edition
Prospect analysis takes a bit of guesswork. So, sometimes to predict the future it’s helpful to reflect back on the past. Today we take a look at five former defensemen prospects for the Devils and what happened in their careers.
Adrian Foster
In short
Never made the NHL but did play for Grizzlys Wolfsburg in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, which is a fantastic name for a hockey club.
In long
Scott Cruikshank of the Calgary Herald sums up the problem with Adrian Foster’s career.
As a 16-year-old with the Calgary Canucks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, he collected 32 points in only 18 appearances. But slamming into an unforgiving post one night, the fearless forward cracked his right hip.
Mechanics thrown off, body out of whack, the other hip suffered. Then came abdominal troubles and subsequent operations — one side, then on the other.
Nevertheless, New Jersey was sold.
Sold they were. The Devils selected Foster in the first round (28th overall) selection in the 2001 NHL entry draft, a bit of a reach at the time, due to his injury history. Unfortunately, for Foster and the Devils, the defenseman’s injury woes did not end there. The article continues.
buoyed by a clean bill of health after a stretch in the American Hockey League — concussions spoiled more winters.
Then in a single 60-game stretch — spread over three hobble-filled seasons — Foster suffered two high-ankle sprains, a broken foot, a broken ankle.
Somewhere amidst all that hobbling, Foster skated in 205 AHL games before finishing his career in a two-game stint plus eight playoff contests in 2015-16 for the Stony Plain Eagles of the Chinook Hockey League.
Matthew Corrente
In short
Bad shoulder, but finished NHL career with exactly twice as many penalty minutes (68) as he had games played (34).
In long
Drafted by the Devils in the first round (30th overall) in 2006, there was considerable hype amongst Devils faithful in Corrente at the time. Development came slow, as it often does for physical defenders, but Corrente filled in with the big club in limited minutes during the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 seasons. Unable to stick in the Devils lineup, by the time Corrente was entering his prime, injuries proved to be the final nail in the coffin of his career, culminating with a season-ending shoulder injury in 2012. This was after missing much of the previous season with another shoulder injury in 2011. After the shoulder surgery in 2012, Corrente played two more seasons bouncing around the AHL before bowing out after a demotion to the Florida Everblades of the ECHL in 2015-2016.
Brandon Burlon
In short
Once put up 27 points in 30 games in one strong season for the Oilers, the Stavanger Oilers of Norway’s Fjordkraftligaen.
In long
The Devils 2nd round pick (52nd overall) in 2008, Brandon Burlon always seemed to be on the fringe of conversation, but always outshined by the next shiny new defensive prospect added to the system. Surpassed by players such as Reece Scarlett who once finished 11th on this site’s Top 25 Under 25, who like Burlon, never got the call, the 2nd rounder did give the Albany Devils five respectable seasons of defensive hockey, even breaking out with 36 points one year. Burlon would finish his playing career in 2019-20 after bouncing around Europe in Germany, Sweden, Norway and the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga. Per LinkedIn, Burlon is now a site operations manager for TMG Builders, a Canadian condominium building company.
Alexander Urbom
In short
Upset many Devils fans when the Washington Capitals claimed him off waivers. Was reclaimed by the Devils twenty games later. Never played in the NHL again.
In long
Urbom showed a lot of promise early on for a defenseman drafted in the third round, especially on a team that had few legit prospects in the early 2010s. (For example, Urbom finished 5th in the ILWT Top 25 Under 25 in 2012). Urbom earned cups of coffee with the Devils in three consecutive seasons starting in 2010-11 before he was claimed by the Washington Capitals at the beginning of the 2013-2014 season. This upset many Devils fans, who thought Urbom had a future. The large defender played 20 games for the Capitals that year, the most of his career, before being reclaimed by the Devils and stashed in Albany. That would be Urbom’s last stint of North American hockey, bouncing around the KHL, SHL and some lesser leagues later in his career, which ended in a short playoff run with EC Salzburg of the ICEHL in 2020-21.
Jeremy Davies
In short
A 7th round pick who after earning some hype with a stellar college career, became part of the P.K. Subban trade and played in 23 NHL games to date.
In long
The Nashville Predators actually got more usage out of Jeremy Davies than they did the more-established defender in the deal, Steven Santini. Davies suited up 22 games for the Predators over two seasons, while Santini only played two games in Nashville before signing with the St. Louis Blues. Davies’s career is still ongoing and overall, despite his limited call-ups, the 7th rounder must be considered a successful pick as most players drafted there do not make it to the NHL.
Final Thoughts
Now it is time to tell us what you think. Should I do more articles like this as summer rolls on? Give me your thoughts in the comments below.
PATERSON, New Jersey (WABC) — One person was killed and three others were injured in a shooting in Paterson.
The violence erupted around 6:30 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of East 29th Street and 10th Avenue.
Children nearby gasped in horror at the sound of rapid gunfire. They were just about to sing Happy Birthday to their 13-year-old friend at her backyard party, but instead of blowing out the candles, they ducked for cover when they heard gunshots in the distance.
“Just hearing it – it was scary to witness, to hear. Especially on my birthday. Like a time I’m trying to play with my friends, get together,” said the 13-year-old.
She also says she had a friend who was there who saw what happened.
“He was going to the bodega – he went running back, but he had saw two people come out of a car and then shoot, but it was like an automatic gun,” she added.
Bystanders watched in shock and panic as first responders treated the victims. One of them was lying in the street next to a car and another was on the ground next to a bicycle.
Local councilman Luis Velez says the City of Paterson has taken measures to reduce crime in this part of town – what he calls a ‘hotspot’ — in part by installing security cameras. He is encouraging the community to cooperate.
“Paterson Police is doing their job as I know, they’re doing a great job to reduce crime, but one again we, the police, nobody, not even the news media has a crystal ball to say this is going to happen now,” Velez said, “Some people see corners getting built up, they see activities and they’re afraid to come out and say something, but our police department is trained to keep it confidential and approach to bring the quality of life in this area.”
The 13-year-old hopes her next birthday party is not ruined by the sound of gunshots.
“First we thought it was fireworks, but then we heard sirens and everyone started going home because they were scared,” she added.
Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Let’s be honest, we didn’t need a national list to tell us this. New Jersey has the best restaurants, the best food, and some of the most talented chefs anywhere in America.
It’s something locals have been saying forever, and now the rest of the country is catching up. Still, it’s always nice to see that recognition on a big stage.
We Already Knew New Jersey Was the Best
USA TODAY’s 2026 Restaurants of the Year list highlights standout dining destinations across the country.
From humble roadside gems to chef-driven hotspots earning major buzz, the list celebrates places that truly stand out, and New Jersey showed up in a big way.
Three New Jersey Spots Earn National Recognition
This year, three Garden State restaurants made the prestigious list:
- The Pasta Shop – Denville
- Ram & Rooster – Metuchen
- Anjelica’s – Sea Bright
And yes, that includes a Jersey Shore favorite, because of course it does.
These restaurants represent everything people love about dining in New Jersey, quality, creativity, and flavors that keep you coming back.
A Jersey Shore Standout Shines
There’s something special about seeing a Jersey Shore restaurant included among the best in America. It’s not just about great food, it’s about the full experience, the atmosphere, and that unmistakable local charm.
Anjelica’s in Sea Bright earning a spot only reinforces what shore locals already know: some of the best meals you’ll ever have are right here, close to home.
No Surprise, Just Well-Deserved
At the end of the day, this recognition feels less like a surprise and more like confirmation. New Jersey’s food scene has always been top-tier, and lists like this just make it official.
Keep Reading: Beloved New Jersey Restaurant is Closing
So whether you’re heading to Denville, Metuchen, or down the shore, you already know, you’re in for something special.
PHOTOS: Step Inside a 1970s Kitchen — 34 Things You’ll Recognize
From Tupperware jugs (you know the ones) to those ever-present knife sharpeners, let’s take a nostalgic trip back to the quintessential ’70s kitchen.
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz
If You Grew Up in the ’70s and ’80s, These Foods Were Super Fancy
From Babybels to Toblerone chocolate, take a nostalgic bite out of these ‘fancy’ childhood foods that made us feel way more elegant than we really were.
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz
FIFA and New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill have become embroiled in a war of words this past week as the prospect of $150 train tickets to travel to World Cup games and plans to close parts of New York’s Penn Station have angered residents.
The recent uproar began after reports surfaced April 6 that parts of Penn Station would be closed to NJ Transit commuters not attending World Cup games for four hours before kickoff during the eight matches at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
Advertisement
Moreover, round-trip train tickets between Penn Station in Manhattan and MetLife Stadium, where the final of the FIFA World Cup is set to be played, were announced by NJ Transit to come in at $150 per person.
A return ride on the same line typically costs $12.90, according to NJ Transit.
The FIFA World Cup Trophy is displayed during the Los Angeles stop of The FIFA World Cup 26 Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola at LA Live in Los Angeles on March 24, 2026.
In a press release on April 17, Sherrill said the move to increase prices was caused by FIFA’s decision to eliminate parking at MetLife Stadium. The Democratic governor said price increases happened because FIFA did not agree to cover the costs of transporting fans.
“We are committed to ensuring costs are shared fairly. As I have said repeatedly, FIFA should cover the cost of transporting its fans. If it won’t, we will not be subsidizing World Cup ticket holders on the backs of New Jerseyans who rely on NJ TRANSIT every day,” Sherrill said.
Advertisement
More: Going to World Cup at MetLife Stadium? Expect $150 train tickets and no parking
FIFA, on the other hand, has said the price increase would have a “chilling effect” on fans attending games in New Jersey and said Sherrill’s demands asking FIFA to absorb transportation costs for fans were “unprecedented.”
“Elevated fares inevitably push fans toward alternative transportation options. This increases concerns of congestion, late arrivals, and creates broader ripple effects that ultimately diminish the economic benefit and lasting legacy the entire region stands to gain from hosting the World Cup,” Heimo Schirgi, COO for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, said in a statement to USA TODAY.
The NJ Transit logo is seen in the lobby of the New Jersey Transit headquarters ahead of a press briefing on the New York/New Jersey FIFA World Cup 2026 regional mobility plan in Newark, New Jersey on April 17, 2026.
What are other cities doing with World Cup transportation?
New Jersey has not been the only place where transportation costs have been the subject of discussion ahead of the World Cup. In Boston, round-trip train train tickets on the MBTA from Boston’s South Station to Gillette Stadium are being sold for $80.
Advertisement
Special event trains to Foxborough for New England Patriots NFL games and New England Revolution MLS matches are usually $20 for a round trip, according to local news station CBS Boston.
Other cities have not seen increases like the ones in New Jersey and Boston. In Atlanta, for example, train fares on the city’s MARTA will be $2.50 per ride, with children able to travel for free with a paying adult.
Kansas City is offering $15 round-trip shuttle rides for fans parking in four different park-and-ride locations, as well as those coming from FIFA’s Fan Festival in the city. Los Angeles, on the other hand, is offering fans a $3.50 round trip train ticket on its Metro Train.
SEPTA in Philadelphia is also keeping its prices low, with fans set to pay the base $2.90 fare for a ride on its Broad Street Line, which takes riders to Lincoln Financial Field, set to host six matches.
Advertisement
Katie Sobko from USA TODAY Network’s NorthJersey.com contributed to this report.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: World Cup fans going to MetLife Stadium to pay $150 for NJT ticket
-
Georgia1 minute agoGeorgia on nobody’s mind: The Dawgs are under the radar, and that’s a compliment
-
Hawaii7 minutes agoLarge section of Aloha Stadium demolished as project proceeds – West Hawaii Today
-
Idaho13 minutes ago
Idaho Lottery results: See winning numbers for Powerball, Pick 3 on April 18, 2026
-
Illinois19 minutes ago5 tornadoes confirmed in Illinois from Friday’s storms
-
Indiana25 minutes agoAn Indiana district turned to voters to fund more preschool seats. Here’s what happened next.
-
Iowa31 minutes agoVote: Who Should be Iowa’s High School Athlete of the Week? (4/19/2026)
-
Kansas37 minutes agoKansas Losing Momentum With Key Transfer Target After New Visits
-
Kentucky43 minutes agoKentucky is poised to land either Donnie Freeman or Sebastian Rancik this weekend, per report