For much of the 2010s, the New Jersey Devils were in a rebuilding phase, characterized by roster turnover and coaching changes, after an unexpected Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2012. However, strategic drafting over the past decade has reshaped the team into a contender with a talented young core. These draft picks have brought the Devils back to the playoffs and positioned them as competitors for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
One of the Devils' most successful late-round picks is Jesper Bratt, selected 162nd overall in the sixth round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. Initially viewed as a long-term project, Bratt quickly exceeded expectations and secured a spot on the opening night roster in 2017 at just 19 years old. He has since evolved into a top-line winger, consistently producing at a point-per-game pace and becoming one of the league's most creative playmakers. In recent seasons, Bratt has surpassed 80 points, solidifying his status as a valuable asset.
The Devils' rebuilding efforts were also significantly boosted by several high draft picks. In 2017, Nico Hischier became the first-ever first-overall pick for the Devils. Two years later, in 2019, the Devils selected Jack Hughes with the first overall pick. These players have become cornerstone players for the franchise. In 2021, they drafted Luke Hughes with the No. 4 pick. The Devils' recent first-round picks also include Simon Nemec, selected No. 2 overall in 2022. In the 2024 NHL Draft, the Devils selected Anton Silayev with the 10th overall pick.
These high draft picks, along with later-round selections such as Bratt, have helped to create a strong nucleus of young talent. The Devils' prospect pool, which once included Luke Hughes, Simon Nemec, Alexander Holtz, Shakir Mukhamadullin, and Dawson Mercer, has seen players transition to the NHL, requiring a restocking to ensure the team's continued success.
In the 2025 NHL Draft, the Devils focused on adding skill and addressing the need for forwards. With their first pick, 50th overall, they selected forward Conrad Fondrk, who is considered to have first-round talent. Shortly after, they picked winger Benjamin Kevan with the 63rd pick. The Devils also drafted centers Mason Moe and Gustav Hillstrom.
Looking at other prospects, Arseni Gritsyuk signed a one-year, entry-level contract with the Devils. Ethan Edwards will be heading into his first full season with the Utica Comets. Matyas Melovsky will transition to pro hockey and play for Utica of the American Hockey League.
The Devils' approach to drafting emphasizes identifying "coachable players" with high potential. The team combines traditional scouting with hockey analytics to improve their success rate in finding impactful players. This strategy aims to find not only top goal scorers and playmakers but also players who can contribute to a Stanley Cup-caliber team.
By hitting on high draft picks and finding value in later rounds, the New Jersey Devils have successfully rebuilt their roster and emerged as a promising team in the NHL.
