Who Could New Jersey Devils Select With 10th-Overall Pick In NHL Draft?

The New Jersey Devils did not win the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery. That's okay since they only had a 3.5% chance going in to win the rights to Boston University's Macklin Celebrini. It wasn't too bad a night, with Columbus staying at four, Pittsburgh losing their rights to their first-round pick to San Jose (who also won the rights to Celebrini), and Philadelphia staying behind the Devils in the pecking order.

Many believe the Devils will now look to trade the pick for a goalie, but that might not be the best route for a top-10 pick in the NHL Draft. Juuse Saros seems like the only sure thing on the trade market, and he needs a massive extension after his deal. Jacob Markstrom won't require that pick, and who knows what Linus Ullmark's value is right now.

We're going into this process assuming the Devils make the 10th-overall selection. There is some interesting talent that could be available. Despite some saying this is a top-heavy draft, the Devils could get another star at 10 with the right development. The first option is a player who broke a record held by one of Jack Hughes' former teammates.

Cole Eiserman
US NDTP

Cole Eiserman is an incredible player. The Massachusetts native sees himself ranked somewhere between eighth and 15th on prospect lists heading into the draft. He proved he can score in bunches, breaking Cole Caufield’s points record from 2018-19. Eiserman finished last season with 123 points. Of that, Eiserman had 83 goals.

Eiserman was once considered a possible top-two pick in this draft. Now, issues with his consistency and effort have him falling to an area where the Devils are selecting. This could be a blessing in disguise. Eiserman would be coming to a team with an established core where he might never be the best player in the room. It sounds like he just needs competition. He needs someone who’s clearly better than him to set a standard. As much as Hughes likes goofing around, he sets a standard with his play on the ice. 

Obviously, many Devils fans would have dreams of Hughes getting himself an American winger for the long term. It’s been five years since he joined the league, and the Devils still don’t have someone who is stapled to his line. Jesper Bratt has spent more time with Nico HIschier than Hughes, and Timo Meier is still looking for a home with a healthy center. Hughes doesn’t know who his winger will be next season.

Eiserman wouldn’t be his winger next season, but he might be there sooner rather than later. Despite his age, the Devils might push to get his scoring prowess in the NHL. We have to see how he reacts to NCAA hockey. Luckily, he’s going to a great Boston University program that can work out some of those kinks under Jay Pandolfo.