New Jersey Devils 2020 First Round Mock Draft

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.

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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.