The New Jersey Devils have some great tier-two prospects in the organization.
We already know that the New Jersey Devils don’t have any more tier-one prospects. The two that they did have in the last five years both became NHL players with superstar ceilings (Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier). They do, however, have three tier-two prospects that could be great players for them someday. Just because they are in tier two doesn’t mean that they can’t become stars eventually. It just might take them a little bit longer. On the current edition of the New Jersey Devils Prospect Pyramid, Jesper Boqvist, Ty Smith, and Alexander Holtz are in tier two.
Boqvist is one of two that were also in this tier a year ago. He played a few games with the New Jersey Devils in 2019-20 but spent more time playing with the Binghamton Devils. He was an impact player in the AHL but clearly needed some more improvement to be a full-time NHL player. It also didn’t make much sense to have a skill-player on a 4th like or in the press box. Hopefully, he is in the middle six of the NHL squad or top line of the AHL squad making an impact and developing.
Ty Smith has been the number one defense prospect in New Jersey’s system for a long time now. He was so close to making it to the NHL following his draft but fell just short. He didn’t make it in 2019-20 either which was surprising but it was probably for the best anyway. He didn’t have to be exposed to a terrible New Jersey team either year. He has dominated the WHL as a member of the Spokane Chiefs so he is ready to make the jump to pro hockey.
As for Alex Holtz, we won’t see him in the NHL this season. He was just drafted 7th overall by New Jersey in the 2020 NHL Draft. He is a little bit away from being an NHL player but he might have the highest ceiling of any player in tier two. This is a kid with a great shot and developing playmaking ability. His numbers continue to improve in the SHL as well as he makes it hard for opponents to contain him. This is a player for fans to be very excited about.
All three of these players have a chance to join the budding core. In any given year, the tier-two prospects can become great players for them. There is also a chance to add to your tier two prospects each season. That is up to scouting departments to make sure they keep coming. They are the key to sustained success at the top of your lineup. Hopefully, these three pan out.