5 Prospects New Jersey Devils Can Take With New York Islanders Pick

The New Jersey Devils sent both Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac to the New York Islanders for a deal that was mostly for a 1st-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. Devils fans were split on the deal, but most were just upset the team is still in this position. The rebuild continues with little end in sight. However, as hard as it seems, there is a reason for confidence.

The Devils have a lot of pieces in place for a long run. Does that always work out? No, but seeing great NHL ability from Nico Hischier, Mackenzie Blackwood, Jack Hughes, Ty Smith, and Jesper Bratt makes it more exciting than for past never-ending rebuilds like that in Buffalo. Obviously, the Sabres hit the nail on the head with Jack Eichel, and Rasmus Dahlin is a very good defenseman with high upside, but there are so many other draft picks that flamed out completely.

Meanwhile, the Devils just added to their arsenal. They have their own 1st-round pick, and they now have the Islanders’ 1st-round pick. They are going to add two more prospects that will likely push them even higher up the prospect pool rankings. Sure, it’s white noise until they make the NHL and contribute, but with players like Janne Kuokkanen, Yegor Sharangovich, and Mikhail Maltsev taking up roster spots on a nightly basis, it’s not just the very best of the prospects that are contributing.

So, when the Devils look to add another 1st-round pick to the prospect pool, they will have a lot of options. The scouting has been strange for 2021, but the team can still get a really good player with this pick. They have to do their research, because there is a limited number of talented hockey players this season, unlike last season when it seemed like just about everyone in the first two rounds had star potential.

There are some very, very exciting players in the draft, even if it’s a weak draft overall. The Devils should be targeting players like these at the end of the 1st round.