The New Jersey Devils are very pleased to continue their rebuild with the drafting 15 young, talented players. We hope and believe this draft will go down as a changing point for our franchise as we grow into a Stanley Cup contender for many years to follow.
Breakdown
Forwards
1(8): Martin Necas, C, HC Kometa Brno, Czech League
1(11): Eeli Tolvanen, LW/RW, Sioux City Musketeers, USHL
1(28): Kole Lind, RW, Kelowna Rockets, WHL
2(51): Alex Formenton, LW/RW, London Knights, OHL
2(54): Jonah Gadjovich, LW, Owen Sound Attack, OHL
3(63): MacKenzie Entwistle, C/RW, Hamilton Bulldogs, OHL
4(108): Jordy Bellerive, C, Lethbridge Hurricanes, WHL
7(201): Jacob Tortora, LW, USA U18 Team, NTDP
We added forward depth early and often in this one to hopefully address what has been our biggest need over the past decade; scoring. Picking a variety of different styles and positions, we were able to snag 6 forwards who we consider top-40 picks in this draft and think each of them have the potential to be impactful players in the NHL someday.
Defense
2(59): Noel Hoefenmayer, LD, Ottawa 67's, OHL
4(96): Jocktan Chainey, LD, Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL
5(132): Walter Flower, RD, Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL
6(163): Elijah Roberts, LD, Kitchener Rangers, OHL
7(194): Joey Keane, RD, Barrie Colts, OHL
Maybe not the most well known group of names, but a group that we have seen all as underrated and we were able to take many picks (sometimes even multiple rounds) later than we had them ranked. The top-2 have great offensive upside and although the latter 3 picks haven't produced much in their respective seasons, we have seen each of these player flash offensive upside to go along with their rock solid defensive play.
Goalies
2(39): Michael DiPietro, G, Windsor Spitfires, OHL
7(196): Stephen Dhillon, G, Niagara Icedogs, OHL
Two of the top-5 starting goaltending leaders in save percentage this season, both goalies have shown the ability to carry their team to victory when called upon. Although Dhillon is an overager, he is one of the youngest 2nd year players available and is a guy we thought should have been drafted in the top half of the draft last year.
Thanks to Ristoreilly for yet another extremely well run mock!