Reviewing the New Jersey Devils' 2023 draft class

Tom Fitzgerald didn't have much draft capital to work with but made some intriguing dart throws.

Follow along on Twitter @ToddCordell | @InfernalAccess

Be sure to join the Discord channel to talk hockey, and everything else, with our writers and subscribers.

---

The 2023 NHL Entry Draft has come and gone, with the New Jersey Devils adding five more prospects – three forwards, two defensemen – to the organization.

Let’s go player-by-player and take a closer look at their haul.

Pick 58: Lenni Hameenaho (RW)

The Devils seem to be over the moon about landing Hameenaho at pick 58, as he reportedly earned a first round grade from the team. That isn’t as crazy as it may sound on the surface – Bob McKenzie had him 44th on his final list, ahead of players like Easton Cowan (ranked 53rd, drafted 28th overall) and Nico Myatovic (ranked 56th, drafted 33rd overall).

The book on Hameenaho is hockey sense. Anyone and everyone familiar with the player praises his hockey sense. HockeyProspect’s draft guide graded it 7/9, while Hameenaho himself cited his smarts as one of his best attributes.

From NHL.com:

"I'm a smart player. I'm best with the puck in the offensive side. I like (have) the puck and create scoring chances for myself and my linemates. I want to most improve my skating, explosiveness, first step."

Hameenaho is also seen as a responsible defender who can make an impact in the neutral zone with his defensive positioning and ability to jump lanes and intercept/disrupt passes.

There seems to be some debate about his upside but the Devils obviously strongly believe in the player. Tom Fitzgerald said Thursday on NHL Network that he is chasing upside and told his staff to tell him who has the highest ceiling – and that’s who he is taking.

Pick 122: Cam Squires (RW)

Squires had a strong season with the Cape Breton Eagles, tallying 30 goals and 64 points in 67 games. He finished just three goals back of the team lead, trailing a pair of players two years older.

HockeyProspect did not have Squires on their final 110 player list – likely due to concerns about his play without the puck – but noted he has plenty of offensive ability.

He is a good skater with explosiveness to be effective in the transition game. He has above average hands and a quick release, although HP indicates his shot is lacking some power.

Squires profiles like the kind of dice roll I’d be looking at in the 4th round. I don’t care what his floor is or the likelihood he reaches his potential. Even the ‘safe’ picks at this point are very unlikely to make it as NHL regulars. Thus, I care what his ceiling is – and it seems there’s a nice on there.

An offensively gifted winger who can score goals, and excel in transition, sure seems like a package worth gambling on.

You can work on defensive play and positioning down the road. Those aspects are easier to hide when playing on the wing, anyway.

Pick 154: Chase Cheslock (D)