There was a combination of variables in this assessment,from NHL probability to a few reliable sources that curate the top 11 draft-day targets for the New Jersey Devils. We believe our GM and staff will make the right choices coming up with the 2026 NHL Draft, both on day one and day two. This is a new era under Sunny Mehta.
The New Jersey Devils have already assembled one of the strongest young cores in the NHL. Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, Timo Meier, Luke Hughes, and Simon Nemec give the organization the star power necessary to compete for championships. Under Sunny Mehta and Braden Birch, the focus should no longer be on simply making the playoffs. It should be about building a team capable of winning the Stanley Cup.
That process continues with the 2026 NHL Draft.
Assuming New Jersey is selecting in the latter half of the first round and throughout the second and third rounds, the Devils should prioritize elite traits over safe projections. Craig Button and Chris Peters have consistently emphasized hockey sense, competitiveness, skating, and projectable tools. Those same qualities often separate good players from championship players. Elite Prospects’ rankings reveal a deep class filled with intriguing talent beyond the obvious names at the top. (Elite Prospects)
Among the forwards, Oliver Suvanto stands out as one of the safest bets. The Finnish center has drawn praise for his maturity, intelligence, and two way game. Players with his combination of size and hockey sense often become valuable pieces on winning teams. While he may not possess the highest offensive ceiling, his probability of becoming a top six center is higher than many players available in the Devils’ projected draft range.
Oscar Hemming brings another element New Jersey should covet. At 6 foot 4, the winger combines size with skill and a willingness to play in difficult areas. Power forwards become increasingly important in the postseason, and Hemming possesses many of the tools that translate to playoff hockey. His upside makes him one of the more intriguing names in the class. (McKeen’s Hockey)
Ethan Belchetz may offer even greater upside. At 6 foot 5 and over 220 pounds, he has the frame and offensive instincts that scouts dream about. Players with that combination of size and scoring touch are rare. If everything comes together, Belchetz could develop into the type of power winger every organization searches for.
Adam Novotny is another player who should interest the Devils. The Czech winger attacks the middle of the ice, competes hard, and owns a scorer’s mentality. Goal scorers are expensive to acquire through trades and free agency. Drafting and developing them remains the most efficient path to finding them.
Nikita Klepov may possess some of the highest offensive upside among realistic targets. His scoring ability has consistently attracted attention, and many evaluators believe he could become one of the steals of the draft if he slips outside the top ten. Pure finishers are difficult to find, which makes players like Klepov extremely valuable. (The Hockey Writers)
Tynan Lawrence projects as the type of center that coaches trust. His intelligence and responsible play should allow him to handle difficult assignments throughout his career. Championship teams are filled with players who can win faceoffs, kill penalties, and play in every situation.
Pierce Mbuyi offers something different. His motor never stops. Players with his relentless style often outperform expectations because effort and competitiveness cannot be taught. Every championship team needs players who bring energy and intensity.
Adam Nemec may not possess superstar upside, but his strong habits and versatility make him an intriguing option later in the draft. Winning organizations are built upon depth and internal competition.
On defense, Alberts Smits might be one of the most exciting names available. Elite Prospects and several public scouting services view him as one of the premier defensemen in the class. His mobility, physicality, and confidence make him an ideal fit for playoff hockey. (McKeen’s Hockey)
Daxon Rudolph represents another excellent fit. His size and ability to play in every situation give him the profile of a future top-four defenseman. Players who can handle heavy minutes are invaluable once the postseason begins. (McKeen’s Hockey)
Finally, the Devils should continue investing in goaltending. Brady Knowling is one of the most intriguing netminders in the class. Mikhail Yegorov and Jakub Malek already provide promise, but great organizations never rely on one answer in goal. Competition creates excellence.
Not all eleven of these prospects will become stars. History tells us that only a few will reach that level. But championships are often won because organizations identify elite traits before everyone else.
The Devils already have enough skill.
Now they need hunters.
They need scorers. They need power forwards. They need defensemen with an edge. They need players who embrace pressure and elevate their games when the stakes are highest.
The Sunny Mehta era should not be about building playoff teams.
It should be about building killers.
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