The New Jersey Devils hold the fourth selection in the draft, after their slight 3.6 percent chance of winning the draft lottery transpired. This selection will become the franchises highest pick since 1993, when Jersey's Team selected Scott Niedermayer with the third overall pick- and we all know how that turned out.
Now the million dollar question for Devils fans all over is, who will the Devils be able to select? Let's take a look at a potential scenario taking place at the NHL Entry Draft on June 24th.
With the first overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft, the Edmonton Oilers select Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Having been the consensus number one pick for some time, little doubt Nugent-Hopkins will be lacing up for the Oilers in the near future.With an outstanding playmaking ability and superb vision, their is no way the Oilers pass up on this guy. Currently the Oilers lack a true number one center, as the likes of Sam Gagner, Gilbert Brule, and Andrew Cogliano will not suffice in that role. Nugent-Hopkins has the potential to be a number one center in this league; as long as he continues to grow.
Although the Oilers lack good defenseman in their system, and with Adam Larsson making his own case to be selected first overall, passing up on the home town kid would be considered a mistake by many. The thought of just pairing up Nugent-Hopkins and Taylor Hall is scary, and could potentially become a lethal scoring duo in years to come.
The next pick made by the Colorado Avalanche can perhaps dictate who the Devils wills select. With that being said, the Avalanche will select left winger out of the Ontario Hockey League, Gabriel Landeskog.
During the 2010-2011 season, the Avalanche management shocked many as they dealt sought out power-forward Chris Stewart to the Blues in a block buster trade, in which they acquired Erik Johnson. However with this selection, the Avs can make up for that blunder of a trade.
Gabriel Landeskog does it all. He'll fight for his teammates, go into the dirty areas to score a goal, and block shots. In addition, he is a swift skater, and can put the puck in the net with his tremendous skill. These qualities make scouts drool. Oh, and did I mention he is the NHL ready, and can step into the league as soon as next year?
Although Gabriel Landeskog may not possess the most upside, he possess tremendous leadership qualities, making him a sure bet to go second overall to the Colorado Avalanche.
With the third selection in the NHL Draft, the offensively challenged Florida Panthers select Johnathan Huberdeau.
At the beginning of the NHL season, you may have not even recognized this name. And after recording just 35 points in his rookie season in the high scoring QMJHL, their was such reason for the latter. However, Huberdeau exploded on the scene during the 2011 campaign, recording 105 points.
And after a sensational Memorial Cup Run, which saw him lead the Saint John Sea Dogs to a championship, as well as taking MVP honors, their is no way Florida passes up on this guy. With fantastic hands, an above average hockey sense, and a little edge to his game, Huberdeau possesses the tools needed to succeed at the National Hockey League level.
With an already solid defensive pipeline in Florida, selecting Huberdeau seems like the viable option.
Now the moment you've been undoubtedly been waiting for. With the fourth overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the New Jersey Devils are proud to select, out of the Swedish Elite League, Adam Larsson.
With this pick, the Devils select an 18 year old who has been dominating a men's league for the past couple years. Absolutely unheard of. Adam Larsson possesses loads of talent. And while he may not have that one eye catching skill that stands out the most, Larsson can do it all. He'll make the the perfect breakout pass, complement anyone he plays with, and can play in every situation. And even better, he's still maturing.
Many scouts say Adam Larsson is better right now then Nickolas Lidstrom was at the same age. Now, these scouts are not saying that Larsson will turn in to Lidstrom, because that is unfair to the latter. However, scouts see similarities in their games, which is spectacular considering Lidstrom could go down as arguably the best defenseman ever.
Also, considering the Devils have had success drafting out of the Swedish Elite League, (see Mattias Tedenby and Jacob Josefson), it only makes sense to go back their once again.
Selecting Adam Larsson would be a step in the right direction for a team that has just missed the playoffs for the first time since 1996.
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