2021 NHL Entry Draft First Round Mock Draft 1.0

While there are some excellent forwards that will still be on the board at this point, the New Jersey Devils already boast the likes of Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, so they would be wise to use the No. 4 overall pick on an elite defenseman.

And, given that the Anaheim Ducks are likely to go with a forward at No. 3, Luke Hughes should be available to fall right in the laps of the Devils, who could finish the First Round with a potential top-pairing blueliner at their disposal.

Luke Hughes, the younger brother of Jack and Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn, is one of the best blueliners available in this year’s Draft and there is a hell of a lot to like about his game.

Like Quinn, Luke is an exceptional skater, he carries the puck very well, is calm in possession, he has a high hockey IQ and he also showed considerable improvement in his offensive game with 34 points (6 G, 28 A) in 2020-21 for the U.S National U18 Team.

More importantly, however, he boasts size at 6-foot-2 and 184 pounds and, with room to grow still, Hughes could give the Devils a real two-way defenseman who can offer a boatload of skill as well as being effective from a physical standpoint in his own zone.