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New Jersey Devils Shouldn’t Reach For Defense In Draft

By Nick Villano

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 23: Nico Hischier, first overall pick of the New Jersey Devils, makes his way to the stage during the 2017 NHL Draft at United Center on June 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 23: Nico Hischier, first overall pick of the New Jersey Devils, makes his way to the stage during the 2017 NHL Draft at United Center on June 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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The New Jersey Devils are preparing for the NHL Draft with just mere hours before their pick is on the clock. While GM Ray Shero has been good at this drafting thing in the past, he needs to be careful not to draft for need this season.

The New Jersey Devils could really use some depth with their defensive prospects, but it’s not a desperate time for the team’s prospect pool. While just a few years ago the team had one of the worst prospect pools while also missing the playoffs, it’s the exact opposite now.

That being said, the Devils are in an interesting position. Since they are so young in their roster, they can afford to draft best available instead of for need.

Obviously, we’ve been talking about the depth of the defensemen in this year’s draft. Draft Site has 13 defensemen going in the first round, including Jet Woo who is just a name I wanted to say and has no other reason to be in this article. Last year, nine defenseman went in the first round. Ten went the year before. So, this isn’t like a crazy outlier of a year, but it’s still predicted to be better than most.

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So, this year has depth at defense, the Devils have a need at defense and the team has the number 17 overall pick. This seems like the perfect match for the Devils to make a move on a defenseman, right?

Well, not necessarily. I’ve searched multiple mock drafts across the internet, and the only defenseman the experts seem to tie to the Devils is Bode Wilde. That seems odd, but there is a reason for that. This draft obviously has the crown jewel defenseman in Rasmus Dahlin. Then, five defensemen could go anywhere from four to 13 in the draft, and will likely be very good. However, where the Devils sit at 17 they will likely be stuck with what’s left. That means using a first-round pick on a player who’s a reach because of how the draft worked itself out.

Just draft the best player available at 17. It doesn’t matter if he plays wing, center or defense. Let a player fall to you and take him, or even better trade back. Then you can draft Jet Woo and make your entire fanbase happy while also recouping your lost second round pick.

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