While most fans are focused on what the New Jersey Devils will do with the 30th overall pick, they have another selection shortly there after at 41 where they can add another good prospect.
Given the Devils organizational needs for speed and skill on the wing, and the team's draft philosophy of drafting the best available player, this selection could go a lot of different ways.
Here are some potential targets for that pick:
RW Spencer Watson - Kingston Frontenacs (OHL) Watson is a small, speedy winger who has a knack for scoring goals. His release is exceptional, and he gets the puck off his stick in a hurry. While he's undersized, he's willing to battle for loose pucks, go to the dirty areas and it doesn't seem to hinder his game too much. He scored 33 goals while playing on the Frontenacs last season, and only five were on the power play so he was able to consistently get it done at full strength. Usually with small players their totals can be inflated by power play work where they have more time and space to work with, but that's not the case with Watson.
Devils prospect Ryan Kujawinski plays for Kingston so the Devils' scouting staff had plenty of opportunity to watch Watson while checking in on Kujawinski's progress. Given the team's need for some goal scoring ability and speed on the wing, Watson makes sense.
You can read my in-depth scouting report here.
W/C Brett Pollock - Edmonton Oil Kings Pollock is a big bodied winger who excels at cycling the puck and generating offense down low. He has a good net front presence, and does a good job of causing havoc outside of the paint. Pollock possesses a heavy shot, and the ability to score from a distance. In my viewings of him at the Memorial Cup, he moved up and down the lineup and seemed to succeed in every role he played in. For the most part he played with highly touted Sens prospect Curtis Lazar, and fit in just fine. Pollock's stride is a little awkward and choppy, but he generates good speed for a player of his stature. He hits hard and back checks, but at times he's prone to turnovers with the puck. His passing ability is actually pretty good, but on occasion he forces plays that just aren't there.
D Dysin Mayo - Edmonton Oil Kings Mayo is another guy I had the pleasure of watching at the Memorial Cup. I know the last thing the Devils need is another defenseman, but they believe in taking the best player available. If Mayo's available at 41, he could very well be that. Mayo is an exceptional puck moving defeneman who has the ability to elude oncoming forecheckers and make a good outlet. His skating ability is very good, as he reaches top speed quickly and his fluid stride allows him to move all over the ice with ease. He can quarterback a power play, and his defensive play is quite good. He's not overly physical, but his positioning is solid and he uses an active stick to intercept passes, break plays up and turn play the other way.
RW Eric Cornel - Peterborough Petes
Cornel is a big bodied converted winger (used to play center) who sees the ice well and has an underrated shot. He's starting to add more physicality to his game, and is good creating plays coming off the half wall. His play off the rush isn't great, but he's good cycling the puck and once the puck is in the offensive zone he's effective. Cornel has a good shot, and while his defensive game could use a little work, it's grown in leaps and bounds over the past season. Cornel skates pretty well for his size, too. He reminds me stylistically of an Eric Staal and Travis Zajac mix.
You can read my in-depth scouting report here.
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