The New Jersey Devils spent their 4th-round pick on a bigger center with upside.
The New Jersey Devils spent their 99th-overall pick on 6’2 center from the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds Jaromir Pytlik. The Czech native came to Canada to get more playing time with players his own age. It seemed to have worked out, as he’s now drafted to an NHL team.
His production left some to be desired. As the team’s top-line center, Pytlik only had 50 points in 56 games. This, after he had 14 in his first nine games. It was a very hot start for Pytlik, who was on a Greyhounds team that was replacing big names like Barrett Hayton and Morgan Frost. These are big names for a junior team that’s now rebuilding. Pytlik looked like get was going to step up, but eventually he fell off.
Obviously, the team must like some of his talent if they are giving him the reigns at this age. He’s 18 years old and was already given assistant captain distinction. He does a lot of good things. There are multiple ways in which he impacts the game. Based on scouting reports, he appears to be a clutch player, scoring goals in big situations. Pytlik plays on all special teams, including being a very good penalty killer. It all comes around when he’s in the defensive end stopping the other team from putting the puck on the net.
Pytlik was a vert valuable pick where the Devils got him. Elite Prospects showed his rankings, and they vary greatly. One thing is certain, nobody has him past the 90th pick, and only Dobber Prospects has him that high. He has a motor that brings his compete level up a notch. It appears the Devils got a project worth the price they paid. His production on the ice does not equate the value of the prospect.
The Devils need talent that’s ready to fit into whatever role they need. Pytlik feels like the type of player that can be anything the team wants him to be. He feels like a taller Joey Anderson. It’s a player that will become whatever the Devils need him to be. With so many young prospects up and down the Devils’ pool, there’s not telling what they all could become. Knowing that Pytlik could one day show first-line potential, while also having the skill set of a third liner gives the Devils the ability to be flexible with him.
This is a good pick by the Devils in the 4th round. There’s not a lot of NHL players in this round, and the Devils appear to have one on their hands. A few prospect pros had him going in the 2ndround. The Devils get someone who could absolutely explode next season with his junior team. This could look like one of the better picks in the draft, but there’s still some work he has to do to prove his true potential.