Prospect Info: 2020 Devils-Centric Mock Draft 1.0

[glenwo2]

I agree that the 2016 draft was far from the best for the Devils. The first-round pick was McLeod, who looks like a 3rd-liner. The second-round pick was Bastian, probably an NHL 4th-liner.

But it's hard to complain too much, when you consider that the Devils probably got a mid-6 F in the 3rd round (Anderson), a bottom-6 F in the 4th round (Maltsev), a top-6 F in the 6th round (Bratt) and the guy who helped get PK Subban in a Devils jersey (Davies) in the 7th round.

Yeah that's true.

Castron really left his mark on that draft.

But you have to admit that overall, Bratt was the REAL Prize of that Devils Draft there (using Hindsight, of course. )

I would not be looking back at that draft with anything but derision if it weren't for that, despite the other solid finds that Castron found.

EDIT : Joey Anderson definitely looks to be an NHL regular to me.

 

[Spoiled Bratt]

I agree totally.

Defensemen need more visual analysis than stat calculations. The trickiest part of predicting a Dman's future in my opinion is how he will adjust to NHL game speed and his ability to think the game...this is why skating ability is paramount. It's just a prerequisite for a defender today.

Seeing a defender rise in his draft year is an indication of his ability to think the game in my opinion. A defender that elavates his game to a new level usually does it by his ability to read and react to situations and that growth process is what is needed at the next level.

Skating is relatively easy to judge how a players processes the game not so much and you absolutely need both.

As an example, Will Butcher has an ability to think the game well, Mirco Mueller has good skating ability...each attribute alone isn't enough to make a solid NHL defender. Each is strong in one and deficient in the other.

A strong skating smart defenseman will be a good NHL player. And we need one of those types badly.

I think it's weird that everyone wants high-end defenders and recognize that they are essential for success but everyone is also reluctant to use a high pick on them.

We've pick forwards high in 4 of the last 5 drafts and largely neglected defenders with early selections in most of those years as well.

I'm all for selecting the Best Player Available but at some point you have to use some ammunition on a high end defender.

Wow, I agree with Jim!

 

[Alex NJD]

Yeah that's true.

Castron really left his mark on that draft.

But you have to admit that overall, Bratt was the REAL Prize of that Devils Draft there (using Hindsight, of course. )

I would not be looking back at that draft with anything but derision if it weren't for that, despite the other solid finds that Castron found.

EDIT : Joey Anderson definitely looks to be an NHL regular to me.

Agreed, I really like his game and from everything we heard he's a great locker room guy

 

[VoidCreature]

Joey Anderson will be a 40-50 point winger for 15 years. I love the kid.

 

[MikeyFlynn]

Joey Anderson will be a 40-50 point winger for 15 years. I love the kid.

Joey Anderson likely won't be putting up 50 points.

He is likely to be a very solid 3rd/4th line RW that will contribute 25-40 points and play on the penalty kill.

 

[MartyOwns]

Joey Anderson will be a 40-50 point winger for 15 years. I love the kid.

 

[glenwo2]

Agreed, I really like his game and from everything we heard he's a great locker room guy

You referring to Joey or Jesper?

Or does it really matter 'cause they're BOTH great locker room guys?

That's the nice thing about this Devils team.

Doesn't sound like there are any jerks in that locker room...only stand-up guys.

No malcontents like a Captain Crankypants..

 

[glenwo2]

Joey Anderson likely won't be putting up 50 points.

He is likely to be a very solid 3rd/4th line RW that will contribute 25-40 points and play on the penalty kill.

Even if that's the best he can give, that's still damn solid.

BTW, your name is what is going to happen to Miles Wood once he f's up in his first Lindy Ruff practice.

 

[StevenToddIves]

Joey Anderson likely won't be putting up 50 points.

He is likely to be a very solid 3rd/4th line RW that will contribute 25-40 points and play on the penalty kill.

I love Joey Anderson. That kid is just going to get better every year, and his combination of smarts and compete is outstanding.

 

[thethinglonger]

I love Joey Anderson. That kid is just going to get better every year, and his combination of smarts and compete is outstanding.

I can't remember exactly when but during the NCAA championship tournament (gut feeling says during the 2016-2017 season), the national broadcaster called Joey Anderson "the best F3 in college hockey" and I think that about sums his game up nicely. He's not only incredibly smart and hard-working, but he's the embodiment of "supportive" hockey. Can't wait to see what his career has in store.

 

[Emperoreddy]

I love Joey Anderson. That kid is just going to get better every year, and his combination of smarts and compete is outstanding.

He isnt a sexy prospect, but he seems to do everything right and has a great work ethic and compete level. He won't be someone who is just a passenger.

Type of prospect you jump to draft where we drafted him.

You need players like this to be successful.

 

[StevenToddIves]

He isnt a sexy prospect, but he seems to do everything right and has a great work ethic and compete level. He won't be someone who is just a passenger.

Type of prospect you jump to draft where we drafted him.

You need players like this to be successful.

I can't say enough good things about kids like Joey Anderson. People forget how much of the Devils early-century dominance was due to players like Madden and Pandolfo. This is why I get so excited when the Devils draft kids like Anderson, Talvitie and Moynihan.

 

[My3Sons]

I can't say enough good things about kids like Joey Anderson. People forget how much of the Devils early-century dominance was due to players like Madden and Pandolfo. This is why I get so excited when the Devils draft kids like Anderson, Talvitie and Moynihan.

From the summer after his draft you could see that Talvite was able to play well with and against the best players in the world below 20 years old. I’m rooting for him and hopefully this time away allows his knee to get back to where it needs to be and his family issues can be addressed in a way they are comfortable with.

 

[StevenToddIves]

From the summer after his draft you could see that Talvite was able to play well with and against the best players in the world below 20 years old. I’m rooting for him and hopefully this time away allows his knee to get back to where it needs to be and his family issues can be addressed in a way they are comfortable with.

Yeah, as everyone knows I'm a huge Talvitie fan. I think he'll be fine -- he's really a character kid. I would not be surprised if we're a few years away from an excellent third line with Zacha centering Anderson and Talvitie.

 

[Emperoreddy]

From the summer after his draft you could see that Talvite was able to play well with and against the best players in the world below 20 years old. I’m rooting for him and hopefully this time away allows his knee to get back to where it needs to be and his family issues can be addressed in a way they are comfortable with.

That world juniors was gutsy as f*** by Talvite. I hope he can get 100% because you have to love his attitude and compete level.

 

[PizzaAndPucks]

I could picture Joey Anderson being a devils captain one day if the current trend of the league didnt evolve into your team MVP being given the "C" to appease the fanbase.

 

[My3Sons]

I could picture Joey Anderson being a devils captain one day if the current trend of the league didnt evolve into your team MVP being given the "C" to appease the fanbase.

That’s not necessarily a new thing. I think that’s the default scenario where a real captain doesn’t emerge. I do think it’s a bit more prevalent with the younger generation of players who move from team to team more and we appear to be more individualistic as a society from what I understand which makes it less likely a true leader that everyone will follow can establish himself. Fortunate teams combine the two like a Tom Brady or Drew Brees or a Scott Stevens.

 

[PKs Broken Stick]

Yeah, as everyone knows I'm a huge Talvitie fan. I think he'll be fine -- he's really a character kid. I would not be surprised if we're a few years away from an excellent third line with Zacha centering Anderson and Talvitie.

Same. I am very excited for both Anderson and Talvitie.

 

[Pitaya]

Id say Hischier is the perfect candidate

You want your captain to be a stabilizing and calming presence, be able to get everyone together, but most importantly lead by example.

Nico through most of his time playing competitive hockey has always risen to the occasion and played how you want your guys to play - and he interviews and talks with the questions and comments you want to hear from a captain. ‘Points arent everything’

Idt Anderson will ever be a level of player you make your captain or at least should