New Jersey Devils notes: On Slafkovsky, 2nd overall, and a mini mock draft

Despite the noise, I'm led to believe Shane Wright will be taken 1st overall on Thursday night.

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A few thoughts on the eve of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft:

Slafkovsky SZN

Over the last month there’s been plenty of talk Juraj Slafkovsky could be selected 1st overall by the Montreal Canadiens.

That fire was only fuelled when Bob McKenzie released his final draft rankings, which are made from the polling of 10 NHL scouts, and Slafkovsky held the top spot.

Despite that, everything I’ve heard still points towards Wright being Montreal’s guy. I have reached out to several NHL front office members for their opinions and they all believed Wright will be the top pick.

There has been some public backing of Wright to Montreal as well. Jeff Marek is very connected and he knows junior hockey as well as anybody. Just yesterday he opined Wright will be Montreal’s guy.

NHL Watcher @NHL_Watcher

Marek on 32TP: "I think the Montreal Canadiens end up taking Shane Wright and the only controversy around it is they might just send him back to the OHL next season. Let's not forget this guy lost an entire year of development as well".

Again, everything I’ve heard aligns with Marek’s opinion.

I’m not at all suggesting the Slafkovsky steam was illegitimate. He made a strong push for No. 1 and he absolutely turned many heads over the six months; there’s a reason he received more top votes than Wright in McKenzie’s scouting poll.

At the end of the day, though, I don’t think that reflects the Canadiens’ stance; and I think Wright still has the silent majority inside the NHL. I’d be very surprised if he isn’t the first player off the board on Thursday night.

Assuming that’s the case, I’m confident saying Juraj Slafkovsky will soon become a member of the New Jersey Devils.

The ceiling is very enticing and I believe the Devils are excited about the opportunity to get a player who brings the ‘different elements’ we often hear GM Tom Fitzgerald talk about.