Over the last few years, the New Jersey Devils have drafted very well. The question is, are some of the prospects ready for the NHL? Let’s take a look at players that could be ready.
Michael Mcleod
Michael Mcleod, the twelfth selection of the last year’s draft, had a slower start to his season in the OHL but turned it around and finished the season with 27 goals and 73 points in 57 games. He also led the Mississauga Steelheads as a captain to the OHL finals alongside another Devils prospect Nathan Bastian who was a second-round pick last year.
McLeod was a strong force during the playoff run while tallying 11 goals and 16 assists in 20 games and was dominant in the face-off circle. McLeod is a dynamic, fast player who can make plays happen, just like how GM Ray Shero wants to build this team. He has a great work ethic so expect a big training camp from him.
John Quenneville
The 21-year old Quenneville spent most of his year in the AHL where he registered 14 goals and 32 assists in 58 games and was named to the AHL All-Star Classic together with Joseph Blandisi.
His very solid performance was rewarded with a call-up to the NHL where he registered 1 goal and 3 assists in 12 games. Quenneville has a cannon of a shot, and if he improves his physical and defensive aspect of his game, I see no problem why he couldn’t crack the opening night lineup.
Blake Speers
Blake Speers had a great training camp last year and, as a result, he played in 3 NHL games where he was held pointless. He served the rest of the season as a captain of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the OHL.
He played in only 30 games due to injury but managed to put up 15 goals and 19 assists over the period. Although I don’t think he is as ready as the others mentioned here, he might prove me wrong.
Nico Hischier
The first overall selection of the 2017 draft might have been surprise for some but it shouldn’t be. Hischier is a dynamic, fast, skilled 200-feet player who can play in every situation just like he played in the QMJHL for the Halifax Mooseheads where he registered 38 goals and 48 assists in 57 games and was named the QMJHL rookie of the year and also the QMJHL best professional prospect.
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In my view, he’s an NHL ready player but it all depends on his showing in the training camp. One day, he will be the first line center the Devils need. I think he needs to put on some weight and has to work on his shot over the summer though.
Who is going to fight for a roster spot?
With these guys coming to fight for a roster spot, I think Pavel Zacha must have a very strong training camp in order to be in the lineup. He had a very slow start to the season, suffered a concussion and was a healthy scratch few times but turned his game around in the second half of the season and finished the season with 8 goals and 16 assists.
Miles Wood and Stefan Noesen are in the mix for a roster spot as well.
In the end, it all comes down to Ray Shero and his staff to determine who will be in the opening night lineup. I’m sure Shero will try to sign few free agents and then we will find out how many roster spots could be in play.
It’s a new thing for us, Devils fans, that there is a big competition between the youngsters to crack the lineup and it certainly is a pleasant thing.
It is a great time to be a Devils fan.