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

Matthew Coronato

Matthew Coronato is a player that could do some damage for the Devils on the right wing, but some have questions about his production to this point. He’s scoring close to two points per game this season, but he’s doing it in the USHL. That’s not exactly a league that’s testing his greatness. Still, players who dominate on any level deserve a look.

He’s 5’11, so many Devils fans will sigh at the fact the Devils would target yet another forward who’s under six feet tall, but Coronato makes up for it with smart plays and decent skating ability. He’s able to play in all three phases (even strength, power play, penalty kill). That will be something Tom Fitzgerald loves about him. They want smart, elusive forwards who can contribute in multiple ways. It helps avoid busts in a very strange draft.

This is a player that puts all the parts together to make a very good player. His ceiling is limited, but it’s very likely he makes it to the NHL and contributes for a long time. If the Devils are looking to find a 30-goal scorer, this isn’t their guy (despite his gaudy USHL numbers). However, if they want someone who is going to be a good soldier and make all the right plays when he’s on the ice, Coronato is an interesting option.

The Devils lost two rock-solid forwards who have been here for a long time. They were both free agents, so getting a 1st-round pick was a win on paper. These five prospects would help in what the Devils are trying to build.