New Jersey Devils: Pucks and Pitchforks Mock NHL Draft 1st Round

6th-Overall Pick

Vinnie Parise- Marco Rossi C

Marco Rossi is a smaller centerman that currently plays for the Ottawa 67’s of the OHL. He might be a small player but his offensive skills are off the charts and he would be a great piece to go along with some of the young studs they already have in place. The Devils also already have a strong connection with the 67’s organization because of how many prospects they are playing for them so it fits. This would be a great draft if the Devils can add a player like Rossi.

Dave Browne- Alexander Holtz RW

The Devils will be chomping at the bits to acquire an elite scorer who loves to shoot the puck. Whether Kyle Palmieri is in the Devils’ long term plans or not, the Devils need a pure goal scorer in their pipeline. Holtz comes with the perfect size, shot, and deceptive skating ability. He is a true ‘finisher,’ something that the organization has not seen in its prospect pool in a long time.

Rob Deluca- Marco Rossi C

Marco Rossi being available for the Devils is absolutely huge. They cannot afford to pass on him just for his scoring ability alone. Yes, I understand its just juniors but it is not like 120 points in 56 games is something to sneeze at and this team is in desperate need for some winger depth.

Charlie Borges Jr.- Alexander Holtz RW

Not going Marco Rossi with the 6th pick. The Devils already have centers Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. The Hughes on the wing experiment didn’t work out at all. Hischier is not moving from 1C until he leaves New Jersey. They have a solid 1-2 punch down the middle and they need to add more on the right side. Bringing in Nick Merkely at the deadline has the Devils in a nice spot to fill out their top 6 with Holtz who is already at NHL caliber size (5-11, 192) and won’t take long to develop. With Holtz the Devils could have a top 6 of Nolan Foote-Hischier-Holtz, and Kuokkanen-Hughes-Merkley. Not bad.

David Lebovitz- Marco Rossi C

Yes, he’s high scoring, but that’s not my main reason for picking him. It’s that his name is an anagram for “Micro Soars.” He’s fast and short. Listen, the Sabres once drafted a person who didn’t exist, there are thinner justifications out there.