In an uneventful first day of the Draft, the Devils made all three of their first round picks.
Alexander Holtz (7th overall), Dawson Mercer (18th overall) and Shakir Mukhamahadullin (20th overall).
The first two picks, the Devils got the best player available. With their third pick, they went left field.
Holtz - as I have written before, I like the player and I like the pick. A shifty skilled winger who is dynamic enough to play with our centers. A sniper which the Devils always welcome. He will take some time to get to play in the NHL as he will not come prior to 2022 and worth the wait. The Devils could have gone Rossi or Perfetti at #7 who may hit the NHL a year sooner but nonetheless a solid pick at #7. Excited to see more of Holtz.
Mercer - again, I thought the best player available. A World Junior Canadian Team player, Mercer has shown the ability to score. He is an overall player, the kind of player the old school Devils loved and could project to be a solid NHL contributor. I really like the pick.
Mukhamahadullin - the pick came from left field when Fitzgerald announced the pick. It took me a few to realize who he picked. A reach? Perhaps, when Wallinder was there and one I was hoping was the pick. But the more I read about this D, I am intrigued. A high risk, high reward pick. At 6ft 4 he has developed of late and caught the Devils Brass’ eyes. This is the kind of D that the organization lacks in the depth chart.
Overall I would give the Devils B+ as a grade for the first round.
What are your thoughts?
Looking forward to the rest of the draft.
Truly yours, The Devils Advocate