Merrill leads solid group of prospects in New Jersey Devils 2014 Fall Top 20

[HF Article]

Photo: Defenseman Jon Merrill had a strong rookie pro season in 2013-14, managing two goals and nine assists in 52 NHL games. (courtesy of Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images)


 

Thanks to a few rookies stepping up last season, the New Jersey Devils feel comfortable to trust their prospects with bigger roles going forward. The change has already started on the blue line, but the transition with forwards might take a while.



Down in the AHL, last year’s rookie class helped spur Albany to its best season in quite some time. With players like Reid Boucher, Stefan Matteau, and*Seth Helgeson putting together impressive efforts, they helped infuse a new energy that will likely get better this upcoming season.… read more

The post Merrill leads solid group of prospects in New Jersey Devils 2014 Fall Top 20 appeared first on Hockey's Future.



More...

Click to read more...

 

[The 29th Pick]

I'm gonna start collecting his cards !

 

[glenwo2]

Noticed Clarktard behind Merrill.

 

[AfroThunder396]

Nitpicking - I think Scarlett should be higher and Matteau/Johnny Q should be swapped.

Otherwise I mostly agree. Very solid list. Our prospects are getting better.

 

[The 29th Pick]

Noticed Clarktard behind Merrill.

kind of a rare picture, seeing Clarky on two feet !
(although it looks like he's about to fall)

 

[tr83]

Merrill got knocked down a half point. Why?

 

[Ripshot 43]

I'm gonna start collecting his cards !

Too soon

 

[JimEIV]

I like the list. I like that Helgeson is getting some recognition.

I personally think Bell should be higher but you can always squabble over a few spots here or there.

 

[devilsblood]

Was surprised to see Kuja get the "highest ceiling" award among the fwds.

And I give him a pass off last season, injuries like that will lead to inconsistent play, and overall I think his ppg #'s were good. Lets see if he, like Black and the other guys can really dominate in his 20 yr old season.

 

[NC107*]

Nice list of prospects, I thought the majority here felt that the Devils don't draft well

 

[britdevil]

Nice list of prospects, I thought the majority here felt that the Devils don't draft well

They've gotten considerably better in recent years..

Good list though. Could use some more skill players, but alot of these guys seem to have the right stuff to make it to the NHL.

 

[AfroThunder396]

Merrill got knocked down a half point. Why?

He got switched from an 8.0C to a 7.5B. 1-10 scale represents ceiling, A-F scale represents the "safeness" of the pick.

His ceiling ranking dropped slightly but he was bumped up in safeness. They now project him to be a safe bet to be a borderline top pairing guy, as opposed to the *chance* of him being a strong top pairing guy.

 

[Zubrus Coffee Maker]

I dont wanna be a nitpicker but Kuja was a third round pick 73rd overall i believe

 

[Hockey Sports Fan]

I dont wanna be a nitpicker but Kuja was a third round pick 73rd overall i believe

And Boucher had 5 assists with New Jersey, not 7!