Examining options for the New Jersey Devils at 10th overall

If the Devils keep the pick, who could they take? Who should they take? Let's take a closer look.

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The 2024 NHL Entry Draft is quickly approaching. While the New Jersey Devils have put their 1st round pick in play on the trade market, it remains in their possession with just over two weeks to go.

For the purpose of this article, let’s assume Tom Fitzgerald doesn’t find the deal he’s looking for and keeps the pick.

Who could the Devils end up with? Who should they end up with? Let’s take a closer look at a few of the many possibilities.

I should note I left out defensemen because I think it’s unlikely the Devils take one given a) the large group of forwards projected to go around 10 and; b) the team being well stocked with young blueliners like Luke Hughes, Simon Nemec, and Seamus Casey.

Tij Iginla

Iginla is a pie-in-the-sky target at 10. I only have him listed because I’ve seen a couple of mocks that have him slipping to the double digits. Personally, I’d be very surprised if Iginla made it to 10.

Iginla checks way too many boxes to slip. Playoffs included, he scored 56 goals in 75 games this season. Those are fantastic outputs for someone who doesn’t turn 18 until August.

He has a quick release, excellent hands in tight, and a knack for finding space near the net. His goal-scoring ability alone will make him highly coveted.

But there’s a lot more to Iginla than that. He is a good passer, possesses high hockey IQ, and an excellent motor. He plays hard and does not shy away from the dirty areas of the ice.

He also has bloodlines working in his favor as the son of a guy who put up 625 goals and 1,300 points at the NHL level.

His production and skill easily make him worthy of a top-8 selection. When you consider his dad is a former Flame who is now working for the team, I just can’t see him making it past Calgary at 9.

Much like when Luke Hughes was selected by the Devils, you can easily make a case he’s the optimal pick without factoring in the bloodline connection. When you throw that in the mix, it’s a no-brainer.

If the Devils keep the pick, I think they’d love to get Iginla. I just don’t see it happening.

Cole Eiserman

Eiserman is projected to go in the early double digits but I’m not so sure it’ll be the Devils who take the plunge.

On one hand, he is an elite goal scorer and that’s the hardest thing to do in the sport. Putting his shot volume and shot caliber on the wing of Nico Hischier or Jack Hughes is an attractive proposition long-term.

Having said that, the rest of Eiserman’s game does leave plenty to be desired. There are concerns with his work rate and off-puck play.

He’s also more of a passenger than a play driver in the sense he’s not someone who is going to facilitate much shot volume for teammates or do the heavy lifting through the neutral zone.

Eiserman’s a one-shot shooter with a ceiling as a result. There are just a lot of question marks that could prevent him from meeting it.

The Devils are already struggling to develop and maximize a player of Eiserman’s archetype in Alex Holtz.

I’d be a little surprised if they double down and go Eiserman at 10, although you can argue his ceiling makes him worthy of the risk.

I think a team like the Sharks would make the most sense as a landing spot for Eiserman.

They have a lot of draft capital, lack high-end talent, and are a long way away from making any noise. They can offer Eiserman a long development runway other teams might not be crazy about providing.

Berkly Catton