This sure feels like the 2017 NHL Draft when the Devils had the first overall pick and Ray Shero kept the Philadelphia Flyers guessing between Nico Hischier and Nolan Patrick.
It is always fun to analyze and guess which teams are going to draft what players and why. For the New Jersey Devils, it had been a chess match between them and the Montreal Canadiens, who have the first overall pick.
You have to give the Canadiens credit here. No one knows for sure who they will pick as names of Shane Wright, Logan Cooley and often hyped up big guy Juraj Slavkovsky often dominate the headlines. The Habs have not shown their cards (other than letting the world know it could be any of the three top picks) because they know their mystery pick will have a domino effect on teams below them in the draft order. Could it spur a scenario in which the Habs could swap picks with New Jersey if they know they aren’t picking who Fitzgerald really wants? Anything is possible but I could tell you Fitzgerald is equally as coy and is too smart to play this cat and mouse game.
My Prediction: The Canadiens will select Shane Wright as first overall. As second overall, Devils will select Logan Cooley and possibly “kick the tires” with Arizona Coyotes, who would prefer a centerman with their third overall pick.
My Observations on Fitzy’s Presser
1. I loved NJ.com’s Devils beat writer Ryan Novozinsky high heat fastball questions that fans want to a reporter to ask. It is a nice refreshing change up after several softball questions in the beginning. Looking forward to seeing more of this in the future.
2. Jesper Bratt was never available. Fitzgerald made sure that his message came across that the Devils never entertained the idea and the Devils are waiting to hear back from Bratt’s camp a counteroffer. This must be a relief for Devils fans as so many rumors have circulated in the hockey media.
3. Yegor Sharangovich is in New Jersey. Or at least in the United States. It is a scary time right now with all of the uncertainty going on around the globe, especially in Russia.
4. Devils will qualify all RFAs.
5. There have been a lot of “tire kicking” with other teams about the second overall pick. But nothing serious as of now.
2022 NHL Draft Preview Podcast
My co-host, Nick Villano and I did a NHL Draft Preview podcast last night. Lasted almost three hours with tons of info.
Also, I'll be at Pasta Grill by Enzo's on 1916 Route 57 in Hackettstown NJ tonight from 6pm-10pm ET. We'll be doing a live draft podcast. Come stop by and say hello!
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Sam Woo is co-host and executive producer of the Let's Go Devils Podcast which can be heard live every Sunday at 9pm ET and Wednesday at 8:30pm ET.
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
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