New Jersey Devils: 5 Players To Target In Second Round Of NHL Draft

2. Owen Pickering – Swift Current Broncos

The Devils could go defense with their second-round pick. There has been some success with teams as of late taking defensemen in the second round. It’s more of a crap shoot because defensemen take a little longer to develop, but it’s usually a good bet. This is a place where the Devils can be patient. A defensive prospect can take their time, and they aren’t expected to make the NHL right away. The Devils can let them develop into something great.

One thing general managers look at with defense is the size of the player. Owen Pickering definitely has that. He stands at 6’4, even though he’s on the smaller size in terms of weight. That’s something he will add as time goes on.

Pickering has amazing offensive upside. He could be really good on the power play, and his skating is hard to compete with.

The Devils might not get the chance to draft Pickering, as some are predicting he should go in the first round. He definitely has the pedigree to go there. General managers are always looking for defensemen who can break out on their own. The Devils have plenty of offensive defensemen on the team and in the prospect pool, but Pickering has a chance to be special. He’s definitely worth making a move early in the second round.