Team by Team NHL Mock Draft: Most intriguing forward falls right to the New Jersey Devils

With less than two weeks to go before the NHL Draft, the New Jersey Devils could be planning on using the 10th overall pick for a future prospect or in a trade package. But unless the latter occurs, let’s keep acting like they’re going to use Pick No. 10 on a prospect, and wow, did they land an intriguing one in this team-by-team mock draft simulation via FC Hockey.

Since this was a simulation for the top 10 picks of the draft, selections No. 1 through No. 9 were not under my control, and yes, there were a few surprises. One of those surprises included who was still available at No. 10 when I made my selection for New Jersey, and I couldn’t have been happier to see this prospect fall to them. 

But before I unveil who I took while playing the role of general manager Tom Fitzgerald, let me give you a rundown on Picks No. 1 through No. 9 and my honest opinion on them.  

1st Overall: San Jose Sharks - Macklin Celebrini, C/Boston University

Last year, the Connor Bedard sweepstakes were epic, and you can argue the Macklin Celebrini sweepstakes were almost as big. This season, though, it was the Sharks, not the Blackhawks, who took the gold, and just as will be the case in real life, the simulator wasted little time pairing the Boston University star with San Jose. 

2nd Overall: Chicago Blackhawks - Artyom Levshunov, D/Michigan State

This pick should come down to between Artyom Levshunov and Ivan Demidov, with the former getting the nod here. It would make sense theoretically - land a future star at forward who is now a current star that is Connor Bedard, or at least one tier below current star status, and get a future star on the blue line next. Therefore, the simulator got this one right once again, so let’s see if they make it three for three. 

3rd Overall: Anaheim Ducks - Cayden Lindstrom, C/Medicine Hat Tigers

While I would think Ivan Demidov won’t go past third overall next Friday, Cayden Lindstrom shouldn’t be the most surprising pick. He already has NHL size, and his productivity could have threatened 100 points had he been healthy all season.