With the Taylor Hall trade speculation officially over for the New Jersey Devils, it’s time to think about the endless possibilities on how they can utilize their own 1st-round pick (which currently sits at 2nd overall) and their new 1st rounder for the 2020 Draft. Today, we’re focusing on how Ray Shero and new Director of Amateur Scouting Gates Orlando with work with the possible scenarios at their feet.
So one of the the 3 scenarios based off a few Draft Lottery segments for the Devils own pick at two can go anywhere between 1st overall and 5th overall. The other will be Arizona’s 1st to NJ which currently sits at 28. Unless Arizona flat out plummets out of the playoff picture and gives the Devils a possible top-15 pick on Draft Lottery Night. Let’s also get into the nitty gritty of the prospects who seem likely to land in Ray Shero and Gates Orlando’s lap.
Scenario 1: The Devils Win The Lottery Again
If the Devils jump up to get yet another first-overall pick, they’ll likely take the heralded left wing from the Rimouski Oceanic of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Alexis Lafreniere. He’s the next great forward out of the QMJHL and Rimouski since Sidney Crosby was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
There is lots to really like about Lafreniere. He is his 6’1″ 192 pounds, and he has a great mix of speed, smarts, and his stick handling. That last one is what separates him from the rest of the pack. He’s tallied 255 points in his 3 seasons in the QMJHL with Rimouski while already scoring 102 goals with the club. He’s also one of thee top prospects for Hockey Canada. He’s succeeded at all levels of U-17 to U-20 teams with an average of 1.14 points in 21 games for Hockey Canada.
Contributor Scouting Report:
Alexis Lafreniere has a very solid hockey IQ, hockey vision is top notch. Alexis is strong on the puck. Fantastic set of hands the helps him finish on his scoring chances. Lafreniere possesses very elite stick handling. He shoots a lot in the high-danger zone (near the crease) looking to put the puck on net for a goal or a rebound assist. Very solid playmaker with an underrated snap and slap shot that is similar to Crosby and Vincent Lecavalier.