Arseny Gritsyuk signed with the New Jersey Devils at the end of last season and is expected to make his NHL debut this fall. However, in a recent interview with Russian outlet Sports-Express, the 24-year-old forward clarified the timeline of his move and his expectations.
Gritsyuk has spent the last two seasons with SKA St. Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), where he posted impressive numbers. In 2023–24, he recorded 38 points in 50 games. Last season, he improved to 44 points in 49 games.
SKA announced on social media that both Gritsyuk and teammate Zakhar Bardakov would be leaving the club to head to North America.
Both Zakhar Bardakov and Arseniy Gritsyuk are leaving SKA.
The pair will continue their respective careers in North America.
We would like to thank them for their efforts with our club in Saint Petersburg! Good luck!#hcSKApic.twitter.com/uSpwtlOD1O
— SKA Ice Hockey Club (@hcSKA_News) June 11, 2025
In his interview with Sports-Express, Gritsyuk revealed this move was always part of the plan:
"We had it set: two years with SKA, then off to the NHL," he said.
Off the ice, Gritsyuk has also been preparing for the transition, particularly when it comes to the language barrier.
"I took lessons twice weekly before, but I've slacked off lately," he admitted. "Basic talk is fine: I know lots of words. Those small connecting words give me trouble, though."
Gritsyuk officially signed his entry-level contract with the Devils on May 7, 2025.
Grits are now a New Jersey delicacy. We don’t make the rules.
📰: https://t.co/GC5AMmirz9pic.twitter.com/x6tVaXNuLM
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) May 6, 2025
The following day, Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald addressed the media:“He’s going to get an opportunity to show what he can do… He’s highly skilled. He’s going to get an opportunity to play for our team.”
Fitzgerald on Arseniy Gritsyuk: “He’s going to get an opportunity to show what he can do…He’s highly skilled. He’s going to get an opportunity to play for our team.”
— Bill Spaulding (@BillSpaulding) May 8, 2025
Gritsyuk is expected to compete for a roster spot in training camp. But if he doesn't make the NHL lineup, he made it clear he has a backup plan—and potentially a deadline for how long he’d stay in North America without securing an NHL role.
That might sound concerning, but it’s important context: a demotion to the AHL’s Utica Comets would come with a steep pay cut under his entry-level deal. Still, Gritsyuk is motivated to make the leap this fall and fulfill the NHL dream he’s been building toward for years.
Photo Credit: © George Walker IV-Imagn Images
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