The New Jersey Devils currently have two picks that aren’t theirs in the 3rd-round of the NHL Draft. According to multiple mock drafts, we see who they should take in their positions.
The New Jersey Devils have actually had little luck over their history in the 3rd round of the NHL Draft. Over their history, there were very few gems. Brian Gionta still holds the team record for goals in a season, and the Devils took him with the 82nd overall pick in the 1998 NHL Draft. In 2008, the Devils took Adam Henrique, who sent them to the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals with two overtime, series-winning goals. More recently, Blake Coleman and Joey Anderson were taken in the 3rd round. That’s really it for 3rd rounders who did well with the Devils.
We think that can all change this season, as the Devils have two more picks in the 3rd-round that Ray Shero can turn into really good players.
This draft is just different. Yes, there’s very, very good players at the top of the draft, but there are some hidden gems this season. It’s deep at some of the most important positions, including at center. There are also some really interesting defenseman to be had later in the draft.
The Devils have plenty of needs, and one more great draft could really put their prospect profile over the top. The Devils prospect rankings seem to fall middle of the pack this season, and it could fall even further is Jesper Boqvist, Ty Smith and Jack Hughes all play in the NHL next season.
The good news is the Devils best prospects are making the NHL and playing well (see: Mackenzie Blackwood, Jesper Bratt), but the bad news is they have a TON of middling prospects that can fill a team’s bottom six.
In the 3rd round this season, Shero needs to take some chances. It could be on a player who may have an “attitude issue” or may not be a complete player yet. If the team’s staff is as good at developing players as they think, we need to give them pure, raw talent to do it. These are five players Shero and his scouting staff should consider.