New Jersey Devils: Pucks and Pitchforks Mock NHL Draft 1st Round
By Nick Villano
17th-Overall Pick
Vinnie Parise- Seth Jarvis C
If Seth Jarvis is still on the board when the Devils are using Vancouver’s pick at 17, they should go after him. Again, he is on the smaller side but adding all of this skill to the forward group on the wing could really help their star centers take the next step. Jarvis had 42 goals and 56 assists for 98 points with the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL. That is a lot of points and the Devils need to continue to add to their forward youth. This would round out three picks of players that can help this team start to score a whole lot more.
Dave Browne- Jacob Perreault RW
If Tom Fitzgerald remains the general manager as he rightfully should be, he picks someone whom he should be familiar with in Jacob Perreault, son of former NHLer Yanic. The Devils need to continue to surround their top two young centers with elite playmakers, and Perreault fits the bill. Perreault features a wicked shot, deceptive playmaking ability, and is a reliable two-way player. The Devils have a plethora of middle 6/bottom 6 players in their system, so it’s time to get some elite forward talent in the system.
Rob DeLuca- Justin Barron D
Just what the team needs! A solid defenseman that also has the ability to occasionally put the puck towards the net and create goals. It is no secret the Devils are weak on defense and I believe that Barron could be the answer. It is a gamble to take him this high, but one that could be worth it.
Charlie Borges Jr.- Helge Grans D
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The Devils add a right-handed shot defensemen prospect who shot up the European Player rankings. With Reilly Walsh going back to Harvard, it is no guarantee that he stays within the organization. He has size already(6-2, 206) and has produced in the Swedish Junior ranks. The Devils have 2-time WHL Defenseman of the Year Ty Smith, Kevin Bahl, hopefully, Walsh, and a few other decent defensive prospects(Nikita Okhotyuk, Daniil Misyul) in the fold. Adding a right-handed shot on the blue line with top-4 upside in Grans is nothing short of positive. The Devils don’t have a good track record with developing right-handed Swedish defensemen. But it is a new regime and a new coaching system coming. Grans can develop in Sweden and come when he is ready.
David Lebovitz- Ozzy Wiesblatt RW
Listen I don’t know a thing about the guy but he’s considered draftable abound here and he has an A+ name. Tell me you wouldn’t want to chant “OZZZZZZZZZZZZZY!” at the Rock. Go on. I dare you. Lie to me.