The Devils will have just one representative at the World Junior championships this year, as defenseman Steven Santini was the final cut for Team USA.
Santini was looked at as a lock to make the team and was rumored to be considered for a leadership role - perhaps captain - if he was able to play, but unfortunately his hand injury didn't heal in time for USA to feel comfortable having him take up a roster spot.
With Santini, a 2nd round pick in the 2013 draft, out of the picture winger Miles Wood (USA) will be New Jersey's only prospect in the tournament.
Wood was a 4th round pick in the 2013 draft, and is expected to play a limited role on this year's team, as he has often played/practiced in the bottom-6, and on the 4th line in particular.
I think the fact New Jersey only has one prospect in this tournament says a lot about the team's inability to find success on the draft floor in recent years, though to be fair Santini would have been on Team USA if healthy. Their most recent 1st round pick, John Quenneville, likely would also be playing if his nationality wasn't Canadian.
The good (or bad) news for Devils fans is if the draft happened today they'd be picking 5th, and several of the top draft eligibles in Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin, among others, will be featured in the tournament.
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