Akira Schmid: Future of the New Jersey Devils

Surprising Rise to Prominence

Akira Schmid, the young Swiss goaltender, has taken the NHL by storm in his first full season as a starter for the New Jersey Devils. Selected in the fifth round of the 2018 Entry Draft, Schmid was initially expected to spend several years in the minors before challenging for a starting role.

Unlikely Journey to the NHL

Growing up in Switzerland, Schmid played soccer and tennis before discovering his passion for ice hockey at the age of 12. He quickly rose through the ranks of the Swiss junior leagues, impressing scouts with his exceptional athleticism, size, and puck-handling skills.

In 2018, Schmid joined the Rimouski Oceanic of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). He quickly established himself as one of the top goaltenders in the league, leading the Oceanic to a President's Cup Championship in 2019.