Prospect Info: 2020 NJ Devils Draft Recap

[glenwo2]

MINE!!!

 

[StevenToddIves]

He devotes a segment to Quinn being picked over Rossi, and a whole segment on the Devils (mostly Muk)

First off all, thanks for the link, I really enjoyed it. I think these are two people who are knowledgeable and passionate about hockey prospects, and it was a very enjoyable and educational watch.

That being said, I often disagree with Mr. Scouch. I thought he really crossed himself up a bit when criticizing the Mukhamadullin pick and then offering Wallinder and Grans as better options -- especially considering his primary concerns with Mukhamadullin (short version: overmatched defensively in the KHL) are significantly greater concerns with Wallinder and Grans (just as overmatched defensively in a far, far, far weaker Swedish junior league). Though I would say a player like Grans can match Mukhamadullin's offensive upside, Wallinder -- with a glaring lack of hands or anything resembling a shot -- clearly cannot. And Grans' defensive game is as much of a concern as Jeremie Poirier, who fell to the third round of the draft as a result -- and Poirier has a far higher offensive ceiling than any of these players.

I believe it's often convenient to manipulate logic to fit your own arguments. Would I have picked Mukhamadullin at #20? Again, no. But if my scouts were convinced he was far and away the best D available, I would have traded down and hoped to gain assets and then take Mukhamadullin later on.

 

[Blackjack]

First off all, thanks for the link, I really enjoyed it. I think these are two people who are knowledgeable and passionate about hockey prospects, and it was a very enjoyable and educational watch.

That being said, I often disagree with Mr. Scouch. I thought he really crossed himself up a bit when criticizing the Mukhamadullin pick and then offering Wallinder and Grans as better options -- especially considering his primary concerns with Mukhamadullin (short version: overmatched defensively in the KHL) are significantly greater concerns with Wallinder and Grans (just as overmatched defensively in a far, far, far weaker Swedish junior league). Though I would say a player like Grans can match Mukhamadullin's offensive upside, Wallinder -- with a glaring lack of hands or anything resembling a shot -- clearly cannot. And Grans' defensive game is as much of a concern as Jeremie Poirier, who fell to the third round of the draft as a result -- and Poirier has a far higher offensive ceiling than any of these players.

I believe it's often convenient to manipulate logic to fit your own arguments. Would I have picked Mukhamadullin at #20? Again, no. But if my scouts were convinced he was far and away the best D available, I would have traded down and hoped to gain assets and then take Mukhamadullin later on.

Yeah, I think like anyone else Scouch can occasionally notice a defect in someone's game and then key in on it and make it bigger than it is. In Mukhamadullin's case he saw some games where the player made some bad reads and I think that kind of came to define him in his mind. I don't think that it's possible that Muk is as bas as he thinks defensively but still in the KHL. That just doesn't make sense. I do like Scouch because he watches his own videos on the players and forms his own opinions. Even if I disagree with him sometimes, it's much more interesting than the stuff that's just regurgitated opinions.

 

[StevenToddIves]

Just for fun, this is the Ives 2020 Devils draft, for those of you who are interested:

#7 C Marco Rossi
Though I am a fan of Alex Holtz, I felt the 2020 draft was so loaded with RWs that this could be addressed later. Rossi could probably compete for the Devils 2nd line LW role as early as this year, then take over for Zajac as the #3 center in 2021-22. He makes great plays every time he touches the ice, and he's a line-driving two-way center with dynamic offensive talent and high IQ, compete and character. Rossi was just too rare of a talent to pass up, in my opinion.

#18 RW Dawson Mercer
The Devils hit a home run here. Mercer is just a versatile and dynamic winger with top-line, high-scoring two-way upside. Can't argue.

#24 RW Jacob Perreault
Yes, the number you're reading is correct. I would have traded down with Washington -- who really coveted Hendrix Lapierre -- and picked up the #80 overall selection, as well. Then, I would have taken a RW with more upside -- though also greater concerns and a weaker all-around game -- than Alex Holtz.

#80 LW Carter Savoie
Savoie has a ton of things to work on, but he also has one of the best shots in the draft and a tremendous offensive skill set. This would be a free pick after trading down with Washington at #20.

#84 G Nico Daws
The Devils needed a goalie prospect, and if this is the guy the scouts loved, then he's certainly the right pick here.

#99 RW Dmitry Rashevsky
Time will tell if I'm too high on this kid, or if the NHL scouts just missed him. His hands, shooting and passing are all elite or near-elite. But he went undrafted, so maybe I'm completely wrong.

#120 C Evan Vierling
I'm going to stick to my guns and say that Vierling has the upside of a two-way, second line center with legit point-producing upside. He's a heck of a player, and I think he's an absolute steal here.

#130 RD Viktor Persson
The reason I wait so long to draft D is because, quite simply, the 2020 draft is a weak draft for D. Persson -- in my opinion -- was the best defenseman drafted out of Sweden this year, and he fell to the 7th round (Vancouver). I'm not sure how he fell under so many radars but again, time will tell.

#161 RW Veeti Miettinen
Having already taken 3 RWs this might seem redundant here, especially concerning Miettinen might not make the NHL unless he fills out his top-6 upside. But the shot and offensive skills are outstanding, and I would swing for the fences in the 6th round.

#192 RD Ruben Rafkin
I don't know how he went undrafted, Rafkin is a highly competitive two-way D with reasonable upside. I would not have traded this pick to Arizona, I would have used it to select the talented young Finnish RD.

 

[Ripshot 43]

Just for fun, this is the Ives 2020 Devils draft, for those of you who are interested:

#7 C Marco Rossi
Though I am a fan of Alex Holtz, I felt the 2020 draft was so loaded with RWs that this could be addressed later. Rossi could probably compete for the Devils 2nd line LW role as early as this year, then take over for Zajac as the #3 center in 2021-22. He makes great plays every time he touches the ice, and he's a line-driving two-way center with dynamic offensive talent and high IQ, compete and character. Rossi was just too rare of a talent to pass up, in my opinion.

#18 RW Dawson Mercer
The Devils hit a home run here. Mercer is just a versatile and dynamic winger with top-line, high-scoring two-way upside. Can't argue.

#24 RW Jacob Perreault
Yes, the number you're reading is correct. I would have traded down with Washington -- who really coveted Hendrix Lapierre -- and picked up the #80 overall selection, as well. Then, I would have taken a RW with more upside -- though also greater concerns and a weaker all-around game -- than Alex Holtz.

#80 LW Carter Savoie
Savoie has a ton of things to work on, but he also has one of the best shots in the draft and a tremendous offensive skill set. This would be a free pick after trading down with Washington at #20.

#84 G Nico Daws
The Devils needed a goalie prospect, and if this is the guy the scouts loved, then he's certainly the right pick here.

#99 RW Dmitry Rashevsky
Time will tell if I'm too high on this kid, or if the NHL scouts just missed him. His hands, shooting and passing are all elite or near-elite. But he went undrafted, so maybe I'm completely wrong.

#120 C Evan Vierling
I'm going to stick to my guns and say that Vierling has the upside of a two-way, second line center with legit point-producing upside. He's a heck of a player, and I think he's an absolute steal here.

#130 RD Viktor Persson
The reason I wait so long to draft D is because, quite simply, the 2020 draft is a weak draft for D. Persson -- in my opinion -- was the best defenseman drafted out of Sweden this year, and he fell to the 7th round (Vancouver). I'm not sure how he fell under so many radars but again, time will tell.

#161 RW Veeti Miettinen
Having already taken 3 RWs this might seem redundant here, especially concerning Miettinen might not make the NHL unless he fills out his top-6 upside. But the shot and offensive skills are outstanding, and I would swing for the fences in the 6th round.

#192 RD Ruben Rafkin
I don't know how he went undrafted, Rafkin is a highly competitive two-way D with reasonable upside. I would not have traded this pick to Arizona, I would have used it to select the talented young Finnish RD.

Thanks again for taking the time out of your day again and again to provide us with great informed opinions on the upcoming draft.

I hope next year we surprise everyone and are drafting a lot higher than lately. If not, I will be here anyways ready to talk about the loaded defensive depth of 2021. Thank you STI!

 

[My3Sons]

I loved that cartoon as a kid.

 

[Guadana]

Just for fun, this is the Ives 2020 Devils draft, for those of you who are interested:

#7 C Marco Rossi
Though I am a fan of Alex Holtz, I felt the 2020 draft was so loaded with RWs that this could be addressed later. Rossi could probably compete for the Devils 2nd line LW role as early as this year, then take over for Zajac as the #3 center in 2021-22. He makes great plays every time he touches the ice, and he's a line-driving two-way center with dynamic offensive talent and high IQ, compete and character. Rossi was just too rare of a talent to pass up, in my opinion.

#18 RW Dawson Mercer
The Devils hit a home run here. Mercer is just a versatile and dynamic winger with top-line, high-scoring two-way upside. Can't argue.

#24 RW Jacob Perreault
Yes, the number you're reading is correct. I would have traded down with Washington -- who really coveted Hendrix Lapierre -- and picked up the #80 overall selection, as well. Then, I would have taken a RW with more upside -- though also greater concerns and a weaker all-around game -- than Alex Holtz.

#80 LW Carter Savoie
Savoie has a ton of things to work on, but he also has one of the best shots in the draft and a tremendous offensive skill set. This would be a free pick after trading down with Washington at #20.

#84 G Nico Daws
The Devils needed a goalie prospect, and if this is the guy the scouts loved, then he's certainly the right pick here.

#99 RW Dmitry Rashevsky
Time will tell if I'm too high on this kid, or if the NHL scouts just missed him. His hands, shooting and passing are all elite or near-elite. But he went undrafted, so maybe I'm completely wrong.

#120 C Evan Vierling
I'm going to stick to my guns and say that Vierling has the upside of a two-way, second line center with legit point-producing upside. He's a heck of a player, and I think he's an absolute steal here.

#130 RD Viktor Persson
The reason I wait so long to draft D is because, quite simply, the 2020 draft is a weak draft for D. Persson -- in my opinion -- was the best defenseman drafted out of Sweden this year, and he fell to the 7th round (Vancouver). I'm not sure how he fell under so many radars but again, time will tell.

#161 RW Veeti Miettinen
Having already taken 3 RWs this might seem redundant here, especially concerning Miettinen might not make the NHL unless he fills out his top-6 upside. But the shot and offensive skills are outstanding, and I would swing for the fences in the 6th round.

#192 RD Ruben Rafkin
I don't know how he went undrafted, Rafkin is a highly competitive two-way D with reasonable upside. I would not have traded this pick to Arizona, I would have used it to select the talented young Finnish RD.

I didn`t give you like there. No rossi-shmossi here. Give to a guy a place to be the best in his team. Our guys Nico and Jack need best partners, they deserve it. They don`t need no ceilings players or potential, yada-yada BPA-bla-bla, another puckmover. They need shooters. Devils sVck in shoot and in defence.
Sanderson and Drysdale gone? Killswitch engaged. Pull the trigger. boom. two best shoting wingers in top 20. Great job by Fitz. In Rossi wild trust.

anyway Will gives MUCH interesting information, but he may use context as he like. He likes small skilled players, he like north american juniors leagues and compare them with adults euro leagues not at a critical enough level for my taste. In General, as with many people, I have enough disagreements with him, but he does a great job. Great job. Much more worthy than most sports journalists.

If i was a draft manager i still want to pick young Jag... Jaromir. I like his person and style of play, I think there is an inside from Elias.
I would have pick Akhtyamov over Daws 1000 times in 1000 times. He is younger, he played in adult league, his results are better and more stable.
I would have pick Persson too. I don`t understand why we left him with our lack of RD. And i really dont understand Edwards pick after Mukhamadullin`s pick(we still have puckmovers Smith and Butcher in the system, besides ottawa`s pair, Vukojevic and Misyul on the left side).

 

[glenwo2]

I loved that cartoon as a kid.

Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck cartoons.....Cartoons without any "messages"(if you get my meaning) in them.

And cartoons that were actually DRAWN, not Computer-Generated (or created like they were drawn by 5-year-olds and not professionals).

Anyway, how about that Fitz, eh?

He's thus far doing pretty good as the PERM GM.

I was skeptical about Shak-attack but after seeing some vid of the kid, I'm being swayed.

Draft overall, I'd say is a Solid B+ that could move into A- territory or better.

 

[My3Sons]

Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck cartoons.....Cartoons without any "messages"(if you get my meaning) in them.

And cartoons that were actually DRAWN, not Computer-Generated (or created like they were drawn by 5-year-olds and not professionals).

Anyway, how about that Fitz, eh?

He's thus far doing pretty good as the PERM GM.

I was skeptical about Shak-attack but after seeing some vid of the kid, I'm being swayed.

Draft overall, I'd say is a Solid B+ that could move into A- territory or better.

In five years we can look back on this draft and see if it has the impact we hope for.

 

[StevenToddIves]

In five years we can look back on this draft and see if it has the impact we hope for.

Holtz and Mercer could push for a roster spot by 2021-22 -- and those two guys are of course the biggest reasons to be thrilled with the 2020 Devils draft. Mukhamadullin and Daws both certainly have upside, but they're kids we're going to have to be patient with in New Jersey. I think Pytlik could surprise and push for a pro role before either of them -- he's a big, strong kid with a great motor and a very polished defensive game.

 

[Guadana]

Holtz and Mercer could push for a roster spot by 2021-22 -- and those two guys are of course the biggest reasons to be thrilled with the 2020 Devils draft. Mukhamadullin and Daws both certainly have upside, but they're kids we're going to have to be patient with in New Jersey. I think Pytlik could surprise and push for a pro role before either of them -- he's a big, strong kid with a great motor and a very polished defensive game.

I don't want to make the colors darker, but we may have to wait 4 or 5 years for Mukhamadullin.
Ponomarev and Wisdom signed entry levels. Mercer will turn 19 in October. If the AHL starts in January, can Mercer play in the AHL this season? He looks significantly stronger than his rivals in the Quebec Junior.

 

[Nubmer6]

I don't want to make the colors darker, but we may have to wait 4 or 5 years for Mukhamadullin.

Because he won't be ready, or because he won't come over? I thought his KHL contract is up after 2 more years, so he could come over if he wanted to, but he'd probably need some time in the AHL to adapt to the North American rinks/style, which would probably pay him less than the KHL, so I would understand if he didn't.

 

[ChicksDigTheTrap]

I don't want to make the colors darker, but we may have to wait 4 or 5 years for Mukhamadullin.
Ponomarev and Wisdom signed entry levels. Mercer will turn 19 in October. If the AHL starts in January, can Mercer play in the AHL this season? He looks significantly stronger than his rivals in the Quebec Junior.

What is wrong with that? It is not uncommon for a DMan to take about 5 years before being ready to play in the NHL

 

[OmNomNom]

idk if i'm reading too much into it, but the fact that mukhamadullin seemed pretty happy to join us (social media wise) and came on for an interview tells me that he at least has some interest in joining our team.

it's not a rykov situation, where i have no idea if he ever had any thoughts about the devils

 

[glenwo2]

idk if i'm reading too much into it, but the fact that mukhamadullin seemed pretty happy to join us (social media wise) and came on for an interview tells me that he at least has some interest in joining our team.

it's not a rykov situation, where i have no idea if he ever had any thoughts about the devils

Ever since Kovy bolted for the KHL, it's always been this way with Russian players of any kind.

if the KHL never existed, this wouldn't even be a question.

 

[OmNomNom]

Ever since Kovy bolted for the KHL, it's always been this way with Russian players of any kind.

if the KHL never existed, this wouldn't even be a question.

except for our sweet sweet goose

 

[My3Sons]

Holtz and Mercer could push for a roster spot by 2021-22 -- and those two guys are of course the biggest reasons to be thrilled with the 2020 Devils draft. Mukhamadullin and Daws both certainly have upside, but they're kids we're going to have to be patient with in New Jersey. I think Pytlik could surprise and push for a pro role before either of them -- he's a big, strong kid with a great motor and a very polished defensive game.

I think you can fairly look back at the draft after five years when most of the kids are 23 and at least see who is in the NHL and who is trending above replacement level. I optimistically think NJ gets two top six forwards from the draft and hopefully one bottom six forward. I also optimistically expect an above average goalie and potentially a top four (not top pair) defender. In five years we should have a good idea if that is close to the result or way off. That would be four good NHL players from one draft. I don't know the numbers but I imagine that would be a fairly substantial haul from one draft.

 

[thethinglonger]

I don't want to make the colors darker, but we may have to wait 4 or 5 years for Mukhamadullin.
Ponomarev and Wisdom signed entry levels. Mercer will turn 19 in October. If the AHL starts in January, can Mercer play in the AHL this season? He looks significantly stronger than his rivals in the Quebec Junior.

Unfortunately not. In order for a CHL-drafted player to be eligible to play in the AHL, they would either have to turn 20 by December 31st of the season or complete 4 seasons in major junior. I'm not sure if the league would change their age-eligibility date if the season started in January...perhaps the league moves it back, but that's doubtful.

Mercer is currently in his 4th season in major junior. By either of those requirements, he'll be AHL-eligible for next season

 

[Darkauron]

Yeah as it is I dont think he is even eligible for the ahl next season. Just like how it was for Mcleod

 

[Guadana]

What is wrong with that? It is not uncommon for a DMan to take about 5 years before being ready to play in the NHL

Nothing wrong. It`s just cool down some high expectations.

Because he won't be ready, or because he won't come over? I thought his KHL contract is up after 2 more years, so he could come over if he wanted to, but he'd probably need some time in the AHL to adapt to the North American rinks/style, which would probably pay him less than the KHL, so I would understand if he didn't.

He definitely has something to work on in general, not just acclimatization to new conditions. And most likely, he will try to earn some money and a name - in case things don't work out in NHL.

 

[Nubmer6]

Nothing wrong. It`s just cool down some high expectations.

But... but... Internet

 

[Comparison Ford]

saw this interesting video on the main board



seems like Nash GM gets a call from someone named "Tom" about pick 11, which made me think it was Fitzy. then right after, the GM says "Toronto" which made me doubt that it was Fitzy.

let the speculation begin. i think it's cool to see Tom (if its our tom, idk if Toronto also has a Tom) as about that pick.

 

[MikeyFlynn]

saw this interesting video on the main board



seems like Nash GM gets a call from someone named "Tom" about pick 11, which made me think it was Fitzy. then right after, the GM says "Toronto" which made me doubt that it was Fitzy.

let the speculation begin. i think it's cool to see Tom (if its our tom, idk if Toronto also has a Tom) as about that pick.

He said Kyle not Tom

 

[Comparison Ford]

He said Kyle not Tom

my ears are shot

 

[glenwo2]

He said Kyle not Tom

BOOOO!


Why you have to ruin the dream? lol.