Several weeks ago, we covered the 2020 draft outlook for the New Jersey Devils. During a rough 2019/20 season, the Devils were able to accumulate several valuable picks including two additional first round selections. Currently, the Devils have the 7th, 18th, and 20th overall selections on October 6th – round one of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
These additional picks give the Devils some flexibility. Do they stick to the game plan and take the best available prospects or use those picks to acquire roster players that might help fill some gaps on an otherwise young New Jersey team?
With a great group of top end prospects available early in the first round, the Devils will likely keep the 7th overall selection. However, Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald has been taking calls on the 18th and 20th selections. Fitzgerald has also said he is open to moving those picks if it makes sense for the club. In a recent NJ.com story (sign-in registration required), Fitzgerald also had this to say:
“If I was to move 18 or 20, it would have to be for someone we control, someone who can be a top-six forward or top-four defenseman, and someone that’s in that age bracket of where our group’s at.”
In other words, the Devils are willing to consider quality young players that can be expected to take on a big role in the near future. One specific player that immediately comes to mind is Edmonton Oiler prospect Jesse Puljujärvi. Still only 22, Puljujärvi spent last season at home with Karpat of the Finnish professional league.
The Oilers selected Puljujärvi with the 4th overall selection in the 2016 draft. Since then, the two sides have not really meshed so perhaps this could be a win-win for both teams. The Devils get a real good young player that should be very close to a top-6 role. For the Oilers, they part ways with a situation that has not worked, but add a premium selection in a year they are light on picks.
Only time will tell if the two sides can reach a deal, but time is running short as the opening round is now only five days away!
NEXT: Prospect and NHL Draft News: WHL Depth in 2020 (Part III)
