With the 2026 NHL Draft approaching, the New Jersey Devils are expected to select 12th overall with roughly an 85% probability. On Tuesday night, the Devils secured that 12th pick.
This is not a draft about luck. It is a draft about precision.
Using data and rankings from Elite Prospects, combined with organizational needs, this thesis focuses on selecting players who can translate into playoff hockey and elevate the current Devils core.
Understanding the Core Through Data
The Devils are already a high-level offensive team. With Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier driving play, and Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier finishing on the wings, the team generates offense at a strong rate. Players who rely on puck touches and perimeter creation often decline in playoff environments, while players who score from high-danger areas remain effective.
The Devils already have creators. They need players who:
- Finish quickly
- Score in traffic
- Do not require extended puck possession
What Elite Prospects Data Shows About the 2026 Class
The 2026 class is rich in defensemen and intelligent forwards. Top names that are constantly ranked near the top of mock drafts include:
- Carson Carels
- Chase Reid
- Keaton Verhoeff
- Ivar Stenberg
- Tynan Lawrence
- Nikita Klepov
However, the critical layer is not just ranking. It is how production is generated.
For example:
- Adam Novotny produced over a point per game pace in junior hockey while driving offense himself
- Nikita Klepov combined scoring with physical play, showing both production and strength
These profiles matter because they indicate repeatable offense rather than situational scoring.
The Devils Draft Identity Shift
Based on both roster construction and Elite Prospects insights, the Devils must prioritize:
- Players who shoot first rather than pass first
- Players who generate offense from the slot and net front
- Players with enough size and strength to win battles
- Players who can play without the puck
This is the difference between regular season success and playoff success.
Primary Target at 12: Elton Hermansson
Elton Hermansson fits the exact profile the Devils need. He combines strong shot generation, ability to score in high traffic areas, enough size to handle physical play, and efficient decision making.
Unlike many prospects, he does not rely on extended puck control. He fits into a system where Hughes and Bratt create space. His value is not just in skill, but in how that skill is applied.
Secondary Target: Oliver Suvanto
Suvanto represents a strong blend of safety and fit. Elite Prospects evaluations emphasize players who can translate quickly, and Suvanto’s two way game reflects that.
He plays responsibly, competes physically, and contributes offensively without forcing plays. He may not lead a draft class, but he will play meaningful NHL minutes.
Upside Target: Adam Novotny
Novotny is the analytics and Elite Prospects value play.
His production profile shows:
- High shot generation
- Offensive driving ability
- Strong junior output (Elite Prospects)
However, he requires development time and physical growth. This is the type of player who can outperform his draft slot significantly, but carries more projection risk.
Physical Finisher: Ilia Morozov
Morozov fits the playoff archetype.
He:
- Scores near the crease
- Wins battles
- Thrives in physical environments
However, his offense is more dependent on teammates.
He is a complementary piece rather than a primary driver.
Defense and Depth Remain Essential
Elite Prospects rankings consistently show that defensemen dominate the top of this class.
The Devils must remain open to selecting defense if value presents itself.
Depth on the blue line is essential for sustained success.
Elite Prospects data also reinforces a broader truth: teams that consistently draft and develop depth maintain long term success.
The Devils do not need to reinvent their identity. They need to complete it. Using Elite Prospects data and roster context, the priorities are clear:
- Add finishers
- Add strength
- Add players who convert offense under pressure
Elton Hermansson represents the best combination of these traits at 12th overall. The Devils already create chances. Now they must draft players who finish them.
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