Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell

Over the last few days, there has been a lot of speculation the New Jersey Devils will trade down from No. 1 overall.

The theory behind it is the Devils view defense as their biggest weakness and could begin to address that by moving down, drafting one of the big names (Miro Heiskanen or Cale Makar) and accumulating assets in the process.

Ray Shero pumped the brakes on that in a recent interview.

"I've gotten calls asking if there's interest in moving down and other calls where it's been more specific and it's something to think about. But I haven't called them back. The Idea is we'll probably be picking, but we're open to a lot of things."

Shero is never one to close the door on any possibility -- he'll trade anyone or anything for the right return -- but it certainly sounds like the Devils intend on making the pick, as they should.

For all the talk about this being a down year in the draft, the Devils still find themselves in a real nice position at No. 1.

They have the luxury of choosing between a dynamic two-way center in Nico Hischier, and a very polished two-way center in Nolan Patrick.

I've made it no secret I prefer Hischier but arguably the lesser offensive talent, Patrick, has registered 178 points in his last 126 games (playoffs included) so there's plenty of reason to believe he can also make meaningful offensive contributions at the NHL level.

Either way, the Devils will (likely) be getting an all-star caliber player who can contribute at a high level for more than a decade.

It'd take an absolute ton to make trading that worth while, which is why the Devils will probably, and smartly, stand pat.

Recent Posts

On Vatanen, Hischier and Patrick

Devils among those interested in Vatanen, as they should be

Don't worry about Cory Schneider

Report: Blue Jackets have inquired about Kovalchuk

Are the Devils leaning towards Patrick with the top pick?

Kovalchuk still planning NHL return, drawing plenty of interest

On Hischier's defensive game and Severson's next contract

Shero comments on Kovalchuk, Schneider rumors and more during interview with TSN

Why I have Nico Hischier ranked above Nolan Patrick

Beau Bennett quietly effective in debut season with the Devils

Join the Discussion: » 57 Comments » Post New Comment

» Thank you

» On the Chayka rumors and finalists for the Devils' GM job

» Notes on quotes from Lindy Ruff's appearance on 31 Thoughts

» The New Jersey Devils may not have hired the coach they wanted

» Notes on quotes from Ruff, Fitzgerald, and Devils ownership