NEWARK --
Rookie defenseman Steve Santini insisted he won't be nervous making his NHL debut for the
Saturday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Prudential Center, but perhaps the 21-year-old prospect is more jittery than he thinks.
Santini, who was a member of the Boston College team that lost Thursday night's Frozen Four semifinal game to Quinnipiac, 3-2, in Tampa, Fla., called his chance to play his first NHL a consolation prize.
"You can't really compare the two. I wanted to win the national championship," Santini said about losing in the NCAA Frozen Four tournment. "The whole team did. That's what we worked for all season. I guess this is the consolation prize. It's not comparable. I wanted to be in the NHL, but I also wanted to win the championship."
We get Santini's sentiment. He certainly knows it will be an honor to step onto the Prudential Center ice paired on defense with David Schlemko. He's been waiting for the moment even before the Devils made him the 42nd overall pick (second round) in the 2013 NHL entry draft.
"A long time. Every kid wants to play in the NHL. It's what you dream about and what you work for," Santini said. "I think it will be a good opportunity for Miles and I."
Miles Wood, also a member of that Boston College squad, flew up from Tampa and drove his car down from Boston, arriving in New Jersey at 1 a.m.
"Oh, man, it's been a crazy few days. I was in Tampa two days ago and now I'm here," Wood said. "It's been a crazy ride, but I'm very fortunate to be here and I'm excited for the opportunity."
The Devils signed defenseman Joshua Jacobs, Santini and Wood to three-year entry-level contracts on Friday. Jacobs' contract won't behind until next season and he will sign an ATO to join Albany (AHL).
For Santini and Wood, their contracts begin this season. The $2.775 million deals pay them an NHL salary of $925,000 per season.
"I expected to win a national championship," Wood said, "but as soon as I lost calls were made."
The left winger will skate on a line with Adam Henrique and Tyler Kennedy.
Santini said it wasn't certain that he would sign with the Devils this year.
"No, it wasn't. I was fully committed to this Boston College season. We wanted to win the national championship," Santini said. "When we didn't, my family and I talked yesterday morning and we felt it would be best for my career to come down here and make the step to pro hockey. That's a decision I'm fully comfortable with and I'm ready for this journey."
So is Wood, whose parents are still in Tampa. They won't be in Newark, but his brothers and sisters will.
"I've waited 20 years for this opportunity," Wood said. "It's a dream come true."
Santini joins fellow Boston College stars Stephen Gionta and Cory Schneider.
"It's almost like the BC alumni team," Santini said. "Gio and Schneids are great guys. They're so nice. They've made me and Miles feel welcome since we walked into the door today.
"It's been kind of a roller coaster of emotions the past 48 hours. Two days ago I was getting ready for the pregame skate at Amalie (Arena in Tampa). It is a little wild, but I'll be ready to play tonight."
Quinnipiac and North Dakota will battle for the NCAA championship.
Rich Chere may be reached at rchere@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Ledger_NJDevils. Find NJ.com on Facebook