New Jersey Devils Prospects To Watch In World Junior Tournament
The New Jersey Devils are a team building for the future and there is no better place to watch some future stars than the World Junior Classic.
The New Jersey Devils have learned a lot about their franchise over the past few seasons. They selected Nico Hischier with the first overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft. Nico rose his stock from a high-tier first-rounder to the eventual first overall pick by his dominance on Team Switzerland. He single-handedly made them a competitive team with nations like Canada, the United States, and Finland. They also saw Jack Hughes play as he did for Team USA last season and ended up with him on his team.
The World Junior Tournament this year will feature some players that the Devils have already drafted as well as some players that they will be scouting for the upcoming draft. It is always a fun tournament to watch for die-hard hockey fans. Devils fans can take the opportunity to watch some of the players that could be a part of the big club someday as well as some players that could be drafted this upcoming summer.
The Devils have five members of the organization going to the tournament. Kevin Bahl is the most intriguing to watch as he was the big piece acquired in the trade that sent Taylor Hall to the Arizona Coyotes. The former second-round pick is a defenseman that currently plays for the Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario Hockey League. He will be a big part of Team Canada as they try to win the goal.
Bahl will be on the Canadian blue line with Devils’ 1st-round draft pick Ty Smith. Smith is a big part of the Devils future as he preps for his eventual NHL debut. He was considered a lock to make the team in 2018-19 but he ended up being sent back to the Spokane Chiefs for one more year. It was probably a blessing in disguise as it is better that he is not a part of this team right now. He can come in with all of the confidence needed to help him succeed.
Devils seventh-round pick Nikola Pasic will represent team Sweden, Daniil Misyul will represent team Russia, and Akira Schmid will round out the Devils prospects attending the tournament representing Team Switzerland. It is important that these guys play well and advance their development. The goal is to build the Devils the right way so drafting and developing is pivotal. Hopefully, these five guys play well to represent their country and the Devils proudly.
There are also three prospects to watch intensely for this upcoming 2020 NHL Draft. Alexis Lafreniere is going to be the number one overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. He currently plays for the Rimouski Oceanic of the QMJHL. He will go to whoever wins the draft lottery. Team Canada will have him to their disposal this year as they try to win the gold. The Devils will certainly have their eye on him in case they get really lucky for the third time in four years.
Related Story. New Jersey Devils holiday wish list. light
Quinton Byfield is going to play for Team Canada as well. He currently plays for the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL. He will be a top-three pick in the Draft as well. Lucas Raymond rounds out the top three as he will play for Team Sweden in this year’s tournament. All three of these players will be impact players in this tournament as they try to get themselves ready for the 2020 NHL Draft. The Devils could very well end up with one of them so keep an eye out. Devils fans should be excited to watch this tournament as it could end up meaning a lot to them.