New Jersey Devils: Players To Take Second Overall In NHL Draft

Feb 19, 2022; Beijing, China; Team Slovakia forward Juraj Slafkovsky (20) controls the puck against Sweden during the third period in the bronze medal menÕs ice hockey game during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: George Walker IV-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2022; Beijing, China; Team Slovakia forward Juraj Slafkovsky (20) controls the puck against Sweden during the third period in the bronze medal menÕs ice hockey game during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: George Walker IV-USA TODAY Sports
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2022 NHL Draft Pick #2- Logan Cooley

Another pick that the Devils could select at #2 could involve talent and familiarity. The player in question here is Logan Cooley, who played with the USNTP Juniors this year. Last year, I did an article about how Luke Hughes could get selected by the Devils over Owen Power, and both Luke and Jack played in the same program. Here is another player that the Devils could add from that program to their roster.

While Shane Wright may be the best player in this year’s draft, Logan Cooley’s talent could make him another superstar. Cooley’s main assets are his speed, maneuvering, and score near the net. Another essential thing to know is that Cooley is a faceoff guy, which could be huge for the Devils, who struggle with faceoffs from time to time.

He put up 36 points with USNTP Juniors this year with 13 goals and 23 assists. It’s important to know that Logan Cooley will start his first year at the University of Minnesota. So, like Luke Hughes last year, if the Devils draft him, they will have to wait to see him play. But there is one big issue that could avoid the Devils drafting Cooley.

Cooley is a center, which for the Devils is not a need. The team already has Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, which they both drafted 1st overall. Then we have guys like Dawson Mercer and Jesper Boqvist, who have played great at the center position. The depth for the Devils for a center is so good. Adding another doesn’t feel like the right move. While Cooley could have a successful career in the NHL, he needs to do it on a team that lacks a big playmaking center which is not what the Devils need. But that doesn’t mean that it’s terrible if the Devils get it. They would still get a good player in Cooley, who could help make the future even brighter.