New Jersey Devils: 3 players that could be selected at No. 4 overall
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.
More from Puck Prose
- Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
- This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
- 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
- 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
- This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings
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.
No. 2 – RW Dylan Guenther – Edmonton (WHL)
It’s likely that if the Anaheim Ducks take the Devils’ number one choice, they might shift their focus from finding their franchise defenseman to looking for another elite forward to give their offense more weapons. While they’re still waiting for Alexander Holtz to make his full-time move to the NHL, New Jersey is going to need a lot more talent on offense if they wish to dominate their rivals across the Hudson.
Dylan Guenther could be the ticket to do just that for the team as he is easily the most talented forward on the board at this pick. Apart from Matthew Beniers, there may not be a bigger weapon for the offense that could match Guenther’s abilities. Standing at a solid 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, he plays a small game with incredible finesse but, with some added muscle and an NHL training regimen, he could become an unstoppable force.
His shot and scoring abilities make him an imposing threat on the power play and he could potentially find an “Ovi office” of his own in the future. In the WHL, the gifted forward averaged 2.00 points per game in 12 games played (12 goals, 12 assists) while wearing an “A” for the Oil Kings in a shortened season.
Guenther was also selected to Team Canada in the U18-World Juniors where he was named an alternate captain once again, showcasing his leadership and maturity. In the tournament, Dylan tallied four goals and three assists in seven games played for Canada without recording one penalty in their run for the gold medal.
If Guenther were to serve as the second choice for who the New Jersey Devils wish to take at No. 4 overall in the draft, he’s arguably the best consolation prize there is. With little risk in the pick, Guenther easily has the ceiling for a top-six forward in the NHL, with a significant role on the power-play unit should his bomb of a shot carry over to the national stage. It’s safe to say though, that he’s done more than prove to scouts that he’s ready to light the lamp at the next level.
No. 1 – LD Luke Hughes – USA-18 (USNTDP)
This seems to be a no-brainer, but the clear number one choice for the New Jersey Devils at No. 4 overall is the selection of potential superstar, and the third brother to be taken in the First Round of the NHL Draft, Luke Hughes.
Like his brothers Quinn and Jack, Luke Hughes has absolutely incredible skill that’s highlighted by insatiable playmaking and superb mobility. When asked what separates him from his two brothers, Luke said: “I’m 6-foot-2”. He is as dangerous with the puck as both of his brothers, but he could end up having the best career out of all of them as he’s touted as the better Hughes brother.
Playing for the U.S. National Team Development Program in the 2020-21 season, Luke tallied six goals and 28 assists in just 38 games played. If this doesn’t speak to the tremendous amount of production he can attribute, then the fact that he did this as a 16-year old against the top players in the United States may help.
Everyone knew that he was destined for the NHL when he committed to the University of Michigan at the age of 14-years old after he totaled 83 points (22 G, 61 A) in 71 games played for the renowned Little Ceasars 15U-AAA team.
While Hughes is the definition of the offensive defenseman prototype, his defensive game is just as, if not stronger, than his offense (which says a lot). His height gives him an advantage against the rush being able to extend his reach to knock away loose pucks and force turnovers in the neutral zone to lead to odd-man rushes.
Though he is only 175 pounds soaking wet, he’s not afraid to play the body on the boards and when he gets to the NHL, adding some weight and more muscle will make him a fiend on the back-end.
Make no mistake, should the New Jersey Devils be gifted Luke Hughes in the 2021 NHL Draft, there’s no doubt that their rise to power will follow shortly. Jack Hughes has struggled to live up to the immense expectations, but it’s hard to blame him. However, with some family on the ice with him, his confidence and comfort will skyrocket which will lead us to see the best hockey he’s played in his life.
dark. Next. 3 players the Hawks could take at No. 11
And who knows? With both Luke and Jack on the Devils, maybe we’ll see a family reunion in the black and red in the near future should Quinn decide he wants to join forces with his kin. Again, at No. 4 overall, the Devils’ draft pick is highly contingent upon the Anaheim Ducks. Should they choose to address their offense, New Jersey will be given the keys to a sustainable winning franchise.