New Jersey Devils 2020 First Round Mock Draft
The New Jersey Devils are one of two teams with three 1st-round picks in the 2020 NHL Draft, putting them in a unique position that few organizations have experienced. While rumors and speculation have run amok over what the New Jersey Devils will do with their trio of 1st-round picks, they’re poised to make bountiful gains, regardless of the outcome.
If history is any indication on what direction the Devils wind up going with their 1st-round pick stockpile, they’re likely to use all three selections. Three of the most recent teams that were in New Jersey’s position were the Boston Bruins (2015), Vegas Golden Knights (2017), and New York Rangers (2018), all of whom used their three first-round picks to acquire prospects instead of making one or two trades.
The New Jersey Devils are currently slated to make the 7th, 18th, and 20th selections. Since the team won’t pick again until the 3rd round, it’s all the more likely they’ll opt to keep their 1st-round selections, although the possibility of a trade isn’t entirely out of the question. Should this be the case, here are three prospects the Devils could potentially select in the first round.
7th Overall
Name: Alexander Holtz
DOB: January 23, 2002
Height: 6’0
Position: Right Wing
Shoots: Right
NHL Central Scouting Rank: 2nd (European Skaters)
When putting this piece together, it was between Alexander Holtz or Jamie Drysdale for who the New Jersey Devils could select seventh overall. Since Drysdale will most likely get picked off before the seventh pick, Holtz appears to be the most realistic option. As a right wing, the 18-year-old Swedish prospect fills a glaring need the New Jersey Devils have in that position for organizational depth. In his first full season with the SHL’s Djurgardens IF, Holtz had nine goals and 16 points in 35 contests. He played well for Team Sweden in the 2020 WJC U-20, tallying three goals and five points in seven games, while collecting nine points in 17 games at the international U-20 in 2019-2020.
Alexander Holtz snipes the corner on the power play to make it 5-0 Sweden. pic.twitter.com/tQuk9oNi6n
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 31, 2019
The most common denominators among the reports and analyses of Holtz are his exceptional shot, along with being dubbed as a sniper and pure goal-scorer. In addition to his superb offensive skills, Holtz also plays a sound positional game with great on-ice vision, always seeming to have a firm grasp on what’s happening in his surroundings, and doesn’t shy away from taking initiative on starting or finishing plays. He’s very dexterous when handling the puck, with underappreciated passing and playmaking abilities. Overall, Holtz has been described as a speedy but above-average skater, although many scouts agree he could use a little more pep in his step, in terms of acceleration.
18th Overall
Name: Mavrik Bourque
DOB: January 8, 2002
Height: 5’10
Position: Center
Shoots: Right
NHL Central Scouting Rank: 22nd (North American Skaters)
Despite his season ending early due to a wrist injury, Mavrik Bourque has turned heads over his two seasons playing for the QMJHL’s Shawinigan Cataractes. After collecting 25 goals and 54 points in 64 games during the 2018-2019 season, Bourque followed his impressive rookie campaign with 29 goals and 71 points in 49 contests. Had he played a full season, Bourque would have come dangerously close to hitting the 100-point threshold in 2019-2020. Aside from Alexis Lafreniere—projected to go first overall—no first-year draft-eligible player had a higher points-per-game average than Bourque (1.45).
Between his keen hockey sense, instinctive decision, and playmaking skills, along with a quick accurate shot, many scouts and analysts believe Bourque possesses the necessary components to become an adept point-producer at the NHL level. Like Holtz, Bourque is a commendable skater but needs to work on his acceleration. One shortcoming in Bourque’s game that could potentially prolong his NHL debut is his defensive zone play.
In addition to the New Jersey Devils’ glut centers on their roster and the prospect pipeline, these aspects of Bourque’s game could make him a suitable candidate that can shift to the wing. He also needs to bulk up and get stronger, both of which along with his defensive play, good coaching staff, and playing system can instill over time.
20th Overall
Name: Kaiden Guhle
DOB: January 18, 2002
Height: 6’3
Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Left
NHL Central Scouting Rank: 8th (North American Skaters)
If the New Jersey Devils prioritize needs in place of drafting the best player available, defenseman Kaiden Guhle could be a great fit. While drafting him 20th overall may be a bit of a stretch, the Canadian-born blueliner has a left-handed shot, which the New Jersey Devils need more of on their backend. From 2017-2020, Guhle posted 14 goals and 58 points in 137 games with the Prince Albert Raiders, playing a pivotal role in their 2019 WHL championship. The younger brother of Anaheim Ducks defenseman Brendan Guhle, Kaiden is projected to have a higher ceiling, but likely won’t jump straight into the NHL. Although he’s considered one of the draft’s better defensemen, he would benefit developmentally from playing the next 2-3 years in the WHL and AHL.
https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/status/1309330625502031873
Guhle is described as an absolute workhorse, capable of playing heavy minutes in every conceivable situation. Although he’s described as a two-way defenseman with notable offensive prowess, Guhle is largely known for his defensive play and thunderous hits. For someone of his stature, Guhle is a smooth skater who possesses sound speed and transitions well on rushes.
Next. Options For Devils At 7th Overall. dark
He won’t blow the crowd’s mind with intricate flashy maneuvers, but plays a simple yet efficient game that gets the job done. Guhle uses his keen instincts and hockey IQ to diffuse his opponent’s offensive plays, neutralizing them along the boards, in front of the net, and gives very little room when engaging players one-on-one. He has the makings to regularly play in an NHL lineup and be someone his coaches can rely on readily at any point.