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

10th-Overall Pick

Vinnie Parise- Jack Quinn RW

Jack Quinn is another player on the smaller side but he is a winger that can score with the best of him. He scored 52 goals in 62 games which is an incredible amount of goals for a player in that league. The Devils have two potential superstar centers that are pass first in the offensive zone so adding a sniper to play with one of them would be incredible for their future scoring potential.

Dave Browne-Iaroslav Askarov G

Bold Strategy, Cotton.’ This is the definition of a bold move, however the Devils have the luxury of picking the best available prospect as they see fit. Having three (most likely) picks in the first round, the Devils roll the dice on Askarov who is oozing with potential. Mackenzie Blackwood has shown flashes of being ‘the guy,’ but as we all know in today’s NHL you need to have 2 competent goaltenders to be successful. If Blackwood continues to flourish and the team develops Askarov into a promising goaltender, the Devils could be looking at the premier goaltending tandem in NHL.

Rob DeLuca- Anton Lundell C

You are probably thinking this is a bad pick especially considering that New Jersey will have left Lucas Raymond on the draft board. But the roster could really use more of a pure playmaker and that is what you get with Lundell as well as being able to get off a good shot and put it in the net. Now I know we don’t necessarily need another center but Travis Zajac is not getting any younger, it could be wise to grab this kid now.

Charlie Borges Jr.- Yaroslav Askarov G

Yes, the Devils currently have Mackenzie Blackwood in goal for the future. Blackwood is 23 years old and seems to be the real deal. Askarov has been labeled the best goaltending prospect since Carey Price. That is high praise. The reason why Askarov is the pick here is by the time Askarov is NHL ready Blackwood would have either done one of three things. One, he becomes the All-Star goalie we all know he is capable of and locked into a long term deal. Two, he’s become a dependable goalie that can see his minutes diminish(see: Holtby Braden). Or three, become an inconsistent 1B that may or may not let in 5 goals a night. If Blackwood becomes the first 2, Askarov is a huge trade asset. If Blackwood is the third, Askarov becomes the new number 1 and gives you a fresh start. You can never have enough goalie prospects in the system.

David Lebovitz- Jack Quinn RW

He seems like a talented kid getting drafted around here, but honestly it’s for the name. We all fantasize about the Devils somehow acquiring Quinn Hughes, but he’s already on pace to be the best defenseman in Canucks history. Getting Jack Quinn seems like a good way to split the difference between “Jack Hughes” and “Quinn Hughes.”