There are 3 players the New Jersey Devils should really consider with the No. 4 overall pick.
The New Jersey Devils have an opportunity to create some magic with the No. 4 overall selection in the 2021 NHL Draft, which is set to begin on July 23rd. With hopes and expectations rising, the top order of the draft is starting to solidify, with the number one and two picks being a near lock.
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Before we jump into who the Devils could have the absolute pleasure of selecting, let’s look into who will not be on the board at number four.
At first overall, it’s almost a no-brainer for the Buffalo Sabres to take the massive left-handed defenseman out of Michigan University, Owen Power. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 214 pounds, Power is the prototypical stay-at-home defenseman that every team needs, but nobody has.
What makes him even more special is that not only does he utilize his thunderous size, but he has incredible skill and unmatched hockey IQ that makes him the biggest threat on the ice at all times. While Power certainly won’t be available at No. 4 for the New Jersey Devils, there is still plenty of remarkable talent to choose from.
The No. 2 overall selection is also another near-lock as the Seattle Kraken will likely take the highly-skilled forward Matthew Beniers from Michigan University. Because the top two selections are almost guaranteed picks, this leaves the Devils’ draft choice contingent upon the Anaheim Ducks’ selection.
Who will the New Jersey Devils select at No. 4 overall in the 2021 NHL Draft?
No. 3 – LD Simon Edvinsson – Frolunda Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
It needs to be said that if the Devils could land any of these players, they will be tremendous game-changers for the franchise and would finally give teams a reason to be intimidated when they step on the ice with them. With this being said, one player the Devils could use is left-handed defenseman Simon Edvinsson.
The Swedish-born defenseman stands at a perfect 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds frame with still plenty of room to grow. He uses his size extremely well as he isn’t afraid to get physical in the corners and along the boards when opposing forwards try to wheel around him (if they even can). In addition to his physicality is an equally threatening shot that becomes a howitzer when Edvinsson winds up from the point.
One thing you’ll notice with upcoming defensemen in the NHL is that they not only possess fearsome size, but they also have incredible mobility, poise, and playmaking. That is precisely what the Swede brings to the table. Edvinsson’s floor is a strong second-pair defenseman and his ceiling is a true number one blueliner in the NHL.
He is expected to be drafted well before the 10th overall pick, which in itself tells you how special he is to become. Despite such a young age, he maintains a statute of professionalism and maturity and can easily become the top blueliner the New Jersey Devils have been praying for. Even if the Anaheim Ducks are to take Edvinsson with the No. 3 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, the Devils are still left with two other picks that will strengthen their team significantly.