2024 NHL Mock Draft 1.0 has New Jersey Devils rolling with an intriguing forward
The New Jersey Devils should land a future NHL star with the 10th pick, and an intriguing forward could fall to them in the process.
The New Jersey Devils weren’t supposed to land the 10th pick this year, as a second playoff appearance in a row seemed like it was in their future. Instead, they ended up with a lottery pick and drew 10th, but the upside is that they may land a game-changer.
And in Version 1.0 of the NHL Mock Draft simulation from FC Hockey’s NHLEntryDraft.com, the Devils landed a surprise player at 10th overall. But before we reveal who they are, let’s talk about the process used to land that player: I picked only for the Devils while the simulator chose for the NHL’s other 31 teams, meaning there were some instances when players I would have otherwise chosen didn’t always fall to me.
Nonetheless, it was a fun experience, and one where I simply rolled with who I felt was the best player left on the board, regardless of their position.
NHL Mock Draft 1.0 landed a potential star for the New Jersey Devils
A few of the other picks also surprised me, especially my second selection, or 75th overall. That was at a position I didn’t figure to take a prospect at until later. My final two picks were arguably the most intriguing, as neither player brings a ton of size to the organizational depth chart just yet. But their respective ability to create scoring chances could be the deciding factor in what may ultimately bring them to the NHL level years down the road.
Overall, I had six picks to work with, so making the most of them was the primary reason I went with arguably the best available here. Who did I roll with first, which prospects do I feel will bring intrigue to whichever organization selects them in June, and beyond the top pick, who may possess the highest upside?
10th overall: Cayden Lindstrom, C/Medicine Hat
While I can’t see Cayden Lindstrom falling this far, if, by any chance, he’s available at 10th overall, Tom Fitzgerald probably wouldn’t waste much time turning in a card with the Medicine Hat product’s name on it. Lindstrom’s size is one distinguishing trait, and with the productivity to match, he would be a steal with the 10th pick. Whoever is lucky enough to take Lindstrom next month could have an NHLer sooner than they may think.
75th overall: Ryerson Leenders, G/Mississauga Steelheads
While I was going with the ‘best available for this draft and didn’t intend to zero in on a developmental prospect at goaltender, I wasn’t passing on Ryerson Leenders, whose improvement in Mississauga was promising. If the 17-year-old keeps playing better in the crease next season, his future will be more than bright.
92nd overall: Eriks Mateiko, LW/Saint John Sea Dogs
In the first round, I had the Devils snagging a prospect with more than ideal size, and Eriks Mateiko is in the same mold with a 6’5, 209-pound build. So far, he’s spent two seasons with the Saint John Sea Dogs, and he served as an alternate captain this past season following a World Juniors Tournament in 2022-23, where he captained Team Latvia.
139th overall: Vojtech Vochvest, D/Kamloops Blazers
At 139th overall, I finally decided to take a blueliner, and Vojtech Vochvest slides in as a developmental project with just one season so far in North America. He won’t establish himself as a points producer, but Vochvest, with more time to learn the North American game, could become high-end organizational depth or even a hard-hitter on the third-pairing in the latter half of the decade.
154th overall: Thomas Desruisseaux, C/Chicoutimi Sagueneens
Thomas Desruisseaux is a smallish center, clocking in at just 154 lbs, but he’s nonetheless a player who has steadily made more of an impact in the QMJHL. He finished the regular season with 60 points and 16 goals, and if he makes another leap in 2024-25, look for him to draw more excitement in what will be his fourth QMJHL season.
171st overall: Marcus Kearsey, D/Charlottetown Islanders
Marcus Kearsey has yet to truly break out with the Charlottetown Islanders, but his 42 assists in the 2023-24 regular season indicate he has a lot of potential to help teammates finish sequences. He was also selected as an alternate captain this past year, so that’s always encouraging for any player in their draft season.
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(Statistics provided by Elite Prospects)