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New Jersey Devils: Lack of Generational Talent in the Draft Shouldn’t Scare Them

By Nicholas Breitenstine |
Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Michael McCleod greets NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after being selected as the number twelve overall draft pick by the New Jersey Devils in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Michael McCleod greets NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after being selected as the number twelve overall draft pick by the New Jersey Devils in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

The 2017 NHL Entry Draft is considered weak, which I’m sure you’ve heard many times before. This notion has caused many fans, especially fans of the New Jersey Devils, to freak out about tanking. Just because there’s no generational talent at the top of the draft doesn’t mean there aren’t good players.

The last two years have spoiled the NHL Draft and fans expectations. 2015 had Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel at the top, while 2016 had Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine. These types of players aren’t available every draft, but it doesn’t mean that draft sucks. The New Jersey Devils will still get a good player.

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The New Jersey Devils have an 8.5% chance of moving to first, and a 26% chance of moving into the top 3.  There’s a very good chance that they end up with a high pick. You can find out more about the lottery over at Tankathon.com

I’m here to tell you that it’s okay, the Devils will have the chance to get a top prospect. Yes, it’s a weaker draft all things considering, but there will be players available that will impact the New Jersey Devils and their future.

No Generational Talent Doesn’t Mean No Good Prospects

Look at the last New Jersey Devils draft selections. Pavel Zacha was a 6th overall pick, and Michael McLeod was a 12th overall pick.  Zacha has had a rough season but was turning it around until his concussion. He’s turning into a solid player and contributor for the Devils, and he isn’t a generational player.

Michael McLeod now sits second for points on the Mississauga Steelheads. He’s a top 20 OHL point producer while playing less than many around him. He’s PPG pace jumped from 1.10 last year to 1.27 this year.  He isn’t a generational talent.

These two, along with other picks in the first half of the draft, aren’t generational players. That doesn’t mean the New Jersey Devils won’t get a great player with their pick.

Guys like Nolan Patrick, Nico Hischier, Timothy Liljegren, and Gabe Vilardi are extremely talented players. There’s a great chance the Devils get one of them.  Whoever they draft will end up as a top prospect in the system.

Let’s Enjoy the Draft

This has been a tough season for the New Jersey Devils. I think I speak for everyone when I say it’s been tough as a fan. As the season winds down, let’s enjoy the draft. The Devils will have the chance to add a significant piece to the rebuild.

Next: Lack of Scoring Will Hurt New Jersey Devils in Free Agency

Yeah, the Devils won’t get someone like McDavid, Eichel, Matthews, or Laine, but they’ll still end up with a good player. Lack of generational talent doesn’t mean this will be a bad draft for the Devils. Just the fact that they will most likely pick in the top-five is a great asset.

The Devils and their fans shouldn’t be scared of this draft. The scouting department needs to do their best to identify great picks, just like they do every year. It isn’t a deep draft like previous years, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t talent to find.

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