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.

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.

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.

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.