Prospect Info: Devils Win #2 Overall -- Slafkovsky vs. Jiricek vs. Nemec

[glenwo2]

If we missed out on Slafkovsky (my phone finally knows how to auto spell his name!), I don’t know why any Devils fan would want this Wright kid… he only put up 108 points which included a disappointing start to his season. Hard Pass.

Yes. "ONLY....108 points"

 

[Captain3rdLine]

That's disappointing to hear. I watched some of the first two games and thought he looked good (though I guess a team like GBR is not a proper measure) . His point totals are also good considering his age and limited ice time. Why do you think he was scratched? Did he make mistakes or are there just better more experienced players available? Has Nemec surpassed him as the #1 dmen of this draft?

They brought in Michael Kempny and while I don’t think he did anything really bad to be demoted he hasn’t done a whole lot to keep himself in. And ya his point totals are good but it’s literally just 2 points on the powerplay. He hasn’t been involved offensively whatsoever other than when he’s gotten on the powerplay. Doesn’t have a shot I believe since the first game when he scored and had one other shot.
I think Nemec was already a bit ahead of him and probably makes that more likely by outperforming him. Nemec started similar to Jiricek where he just wasn’t very involved at 5v5 but he got more involved as it went on and has been good IMO and very involved offensively.

 

[Hockey Sports Fan]

I think its important to recognize that Kakko is not a bust. He's an effective depth winger on a playoff team at 21 years old. He may not hit his ceiling or he may hit it later than the Rangers wanted, but he's a big winger who can chip in some scoring on a bargain ELC. That's a great benefit for a team coming out of a rebuild.

Slafkovsky (if he's drafted) could make the Devils out of camp and put up 10 goals and 15 assists on the 3rd or 4th line. I'm sure people would cry bust but there's nothing wrong with that from a 19yo, as long as he's not playing 8 minutes a night and getting scratched once a week.

And as far as Slafkovsky vs. Wright, I actually think the Slafkovsky going first is the only situation where the Devils pick is a no-brainer. You take Wright and go home happy, which I'm sure the Devils would do. He had an absolutely monster 15yo season, then had a full season canceled for covid, then came back in a weird "still covid" season and struggled a bit but still stayed the consensus 1st pick. You take him 8 days a week at #2.

 

[Captain3rdLine]

I think its important to recognize that Kakko is not a bust. He's an effective depth winger on a playoff team at 21 years old. He may not hit his ceiling or he may hit it later than the Rangers wanted, but he's a big winger who can chip in some scoring on a bargain ELC. That's a great benefit for a team coming out of a rebuild.

Slafkovsky (if he's drafted) could make the Devils out of camp and put up 10 goals and 15 assists on the 3rd or 4th line. I'm sure people would cry bust but there's nothing wrong with that from a 19yo, as long as he's not playing 8 minutes a night and getting scratched once a week.

He shouldn’t be on the 4th line. That just isn’t how you develop prospects. The 3rd is fine if he gets power play and reasonable ice time.
But if he’s playing in the NHL we should be hoping for a little more than that points wise. He shouldn’t be in the NHL yet if he can’t make much of an impact. I’d rather have him be a top player in the AHL than put up 25 points in the NHL bottom 6. If we’re talking 35+ then sure.

We bring him over. If he looks like he can be an impactful player at camp we start him on the team in a top 9 role. If he runs with it and fits in and has a good impact we keep him up. If he doesn’t quite look ready in camp or in the first 4-5 games if he makes it than he plays in the AHL and probably gets at least a short stint later in the season.

 

[Hockey Sports Fan]

You're talking about 10+ points over the course of an 82 game season. That's not the difference between success and failure for a rookie as long as the process is good. Let's say the 4th line is something like Wood-McLeod-Slaf and they're playing 10+ minutes a night and chipping in offense while Slaf gets occasional powerplay time.

The question is "is it more beneficial for development get a jumpstart on the NHL process, playing against (and with) the best players in the world, than going down to the AHL and getting more minutes but against weaker competition?" I don't think there's a clear answer to that when a guy is capable of playing NHL minutes but is still a long way away from his peak.

However I DO think this is basically what people mean when they talk about "development" in a nebulous way. If Slaf is allowed to make mistakes in a depth role without hurting his ice time so that he doesn't feel compelled to change his game to fill a checking role, then the NHL is a good spot for him. And honestly I think that's one of the things Ruff and his staff should get a lot of credit for over the past few seasons. Am I saying he's definitely better off playing a depth role in the NHL than being a go-to guy in Utica? No, but it's just something to think about.

 

[thethinglonger]

Still at a loss for words that the Devils got the 2nd overall pick in this draft. Even before the lottery, this felt like a freebie top-6 pick with where the team is at. By all intents and purposes it seemed like the Devils were a middle of the road team that was sunk by a goaltending situation which could only be described as using a Cheeto for a door bolt-lock. But with the lottery win...are you kidding me? The position this team is in moving forward is just ridiculous

Incredibly grateful to @StevenToddIves and all the amazing posters on here that keep us informed about the draft class. Keep up the incredible work!

I'll cut to the chase - I've been fortunate to have been watching Slafkovsky play since he was much younger... I remember hearing rumblings about a phenom coming out of Slovakia all those years ago. Slafkovsky is a special, special player and I still can't believe that he might end up playing for the Devils. I don't have much to add to the discussion that hasn't already been said. What stands out to me is in-season progression, and as much potential that he has, the second half of his season has been exceptional when compared to the first half. It's what happens when a player begins to recognize their own physical strengths and limitations, and - especially important for draft-eligible players in Euro pro leagues - when a young player's confidence begins to grow. From his puck-handling skills to his vision to his ability to create space on the ice and everything in between, Slafkovsky is an incredibly unique player with one of, if not, the highest ceilings in the entire draft class. It's been almost two weeks since the lottery and management/scouting staff are likely still partying. Slafkovsky is 100% my pick come draft day.

That being said, I don't want to overlook some of the other players that have been mentioned as well:

I thoroughly enjoy watching Logan Cooley play. His playmaking, agility, and skating make him a legitimate threat with a very high ceiling. He would be a perfect fit for Arizona.

Pretty much any other year, I would be jumping up and down for the Devils to pick Jiricek in this position. After all, he's got an explosive skillset and incredibly high upside...not to mention the organizational need for RHD (and with trade prices, the best way to acquire a young, high-end RHD is through the draft). Let me put it this way, were the Devils to pick anyone else with the 2nd overall pick (assuming MTL takes Wright), I'd want it to be Jiricek.

Simon Nemec isn't anyone to sneeze at either. A smooth-skating defenseman who excels in transition play is an exceptional asset to have, and his point production has been eye-opening. With that being said, and this is purely speculation, I just like Jiricek's upside more.

Lastly, I'd be remiss to not mention Joakim Kemell. BPA is almost always more important than positional need when drafting, but in this case the Devils already have an unbelievable group of young RWers that it would be unfair with adding Kemell to that list. A good amount of the goals he scored this season were on the left side of the ice, so I'd have to wonder if management would consider moving him or Holtz to the left side were Kemell drafted. (What an incredible problem to have)

Long story short, we know the Devils' organizational needs are primarily LW and RHD...and this draft gives them the opportunity to draft BPA that also ends up fitting a need. The thought of Slafkovsky in a Devils jersey is almost too good to be true so I'll be holding my breath until draft day...and then even still it'll take me some time to process it if/when we draft him.

 

[NJDevilsFan21]

I'm kind of starting to lean Cooley a little. Both Nico and Jack have had some injury issues the past few years, and having Cooley means at worst, we'd have two capable scoring lines at all times. And in the best case, 3. I know we've got Mercer, but he's unproven at C at the NHL level and slots in well as winger. A 100% healthy team, Slaf is the better choice, imo. But it seems like we've always got some key guys out.

 

[My3Sons]

I'm kind of starting to lean Cooley a little. Both Nico and Jack have had some injury issues the past few years, and having Cooley means at worst, we'd have two capable scoring lines at all times. And in the best case, 3. I know we've got Mercer, but he's unproven at C at the NHL level and slots in well as winger. A 100% healthy team, Slaf is the better choice, imo. But it seems like we've always got some key guys out.

To be fair Cooley is unproven at C in the NHL. NJ could use a more physically imposing center to play in the bottom six to move on from McLeod and alternate with Boquist who can slot higher in the lineup in the case of injury. All that aside it sounds like NJ sees a few players as close calls based on Fitz’s comments.

 

[devilsfan35]

I'm kind of starting to lean Cooley a little. Both Nico and Jack have had some injury issues the past few years, and having Cooley means at worst, we'd have two capable scoring lines at all times. And in the best case, 3. I know we've got Mercer, but he's unproven at C at the NHL level and slots in well as winger. A 100% healthy team, Slaf is the better choice, imo. But it seems like we've always got some key guys out.

That’s why we have Mercer

 

[ninetyeight]

It's a fair point.
But I don't see Slafkovsky bust like Kakko has done thus far.
He is superior to Kakko in every metric. Kakko never impacted a shift like Slafkovsky. He was productive but not dominant. Kakko doesn't have Slafkovsky's vision, hands and playmaking ability.
It's a noticable difference in talent between the two.

It's easy to say now in hindsight, but nobody really expected Kakko to struggle as much either. He was seen as the more NHL ready guy who would do good right away. We're obviously not the biggest Kakko fans here, but we still shouldn't downplay how good of a prospect he was. I also think Slaf looks more dominant than Kakko, but that doesn't mean Kakko wasn't dominant in his own right. There were dozens of times were he held the puck for a very long time and dangled through opponents and goalies, both in Liiga and WC. If I want to be critical I think his best wc games were early on against weaker teams like Denmark and Germany and he was less impressive in the playoff stage. I also think his shot got advertised as better than it really was. I don't have the stats but it feels like his sh% was way above his average in that 18-19 liiga season, and he's really at his best close range dirty goals and dangles. Still what he did statistically at 18yo should not be over looked. I think his struggling has been more of a development and adaptation issue by NYR part, but I think he eventually ends up being a great 60-70pts two-way player.

 

[hidek91]

To be fair Cooley is unproven at C in the NHL. NJ could use a more physically imposing center to play in the bottom six to move on from McLeod and alternate with Boquist who can slot higher in the lineup in the case of injury. All that aside it sounds like NJ sees a few players as close calls based on Fitz’s comments.

What's wrong with McLeod as #4C?

I think that our center core would be fine if we swapped Boqvist with a legitimate, physical #3C a'la prime Lars Eller.

 

[RSeen]

Based on what Friedman said, sounds like there is definitely a strong chance we move the #2 pick. I would honestly hate it unless it was a superstar under 24. Fiala is great but with him you have to give him. big contract, whereas with the #2 pick, we would have a player on an ELC and is under our control for a while.

I think we can build something special with these players on ELC's and have an opportunity to bring in expensive free agents on short-term deals.

 

[Guadana]

Based on what Friedman said, sounds like there is definitely a strong chance we move the #2 pick. I would honestly hate it unless it was a superstar under 24. Fiala is great but with him you have to give him. big contract, whereas with the #2 pick, we would have a player on an ELC and is under our control for a while.

I think we can build something special with these players on ELC's and have an opportunity to bring in expensive free agents on short-term deals.

For me it`s Tkachuk or Slafkovsky.

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

Based on what Friedman said, sounds like there is definitely a strong chance we move the #2 pick. I would honestly hate it unless it was a superstar under 24. Fiala is great but with him you have to give him. big contract, whereas with the #2 pick, we would have a player on an ELC and is under our control for a while.

I think we can build something special with these players on ELC's and have an opportunity to bring in expensive free agents on short-term deals.

It seems like a report designed to drum up drama. I don’t doubt that Fitz is looking at all options, but I don’t think he’s eager to move the pick. Seems like a hard trade to win.

 

[Jason MacIsaac]

Owners better fire this clown if he is on the verge of doing something stupid.

 

[Mgd31]

I can’t see any realistic trade worth it for the 2nd overall pick. It’s just not going to happen

 

[theoptimist]

Keep calm and 86

 

[My3Sons]

What's wrong with McLeod as #4C?

I think that our center core would be fine if we swapped Boqvist with a legitimate, physical #3C a'la prime Lars Eller.

There’s nothing wrong with him but if you could get a legit physical faceoff 3C you could move Boquist to 4C which relieves him of some defensive responsibility and he can sub on a skill line if needed. McLeod isn’t quite a fit at 3C with his limited offense and Boquist isn’t quite a fit at 4C with his limited defense.

 

[RSeen]

It seems like a report designed to drum up drama. I don’t doubt that Fitz is looking at all options, but I don’t think he’s eager to move the pick. Seems like a hard trade to win.

I feel like Fitz could be eager to move it because we are just coming off a season where he was probably expecting us to make the playoffs or be close. If he is feeling he may not be secure with his job security, it could potentially influence him to make a short-term oriented decision. I hope I'm wrong.

There’s nothing wrong with him but if you could get a legit physical faceoff 3C you could move Boquist to 4C which relieves him of some defensive responsibility and he can sub on a skill line if needed. McLeod isn’t quite a fit at 3C with his limited offense and Boquist isn’t quite a fit at 4C with his limited defense.

Wood-McLeod-Bastian is a line I could see having increased effectiveness in the playoffs. Boqvist is good enough to be an effective 3C IMO.

 

[ChicksDigTheTrap]

For me it`s Tkachuk or Slafkovsky.

Slafkovsky it is then since Tkachuk will not be available for trade on July 7.

 

[Devs3cups]

Based on what Friedman said, sounds like there is definitely a strong chance we move the #2 pick. I would honestly hate it unless it was a superstar under 24. Fiala is great but with him you have to give him. big contract, whereas with the #2 pick, we would have a player on an ELC and is under our control for a while.

I think we can build something special with these players on ELC's and have an opportunity to bring in expensive free agents on short-term deals.

I’d say that list of players they’re talking about is really small and that the chances we move the pick are REALLY small.

Fitz hasn’t show a propensity to make stupid moves. I think the only way he moves the pick is if he’s blown out of the water by an offer. Of course he’s going to say he’s open to trading it in order to see his options, any competent GM would do that. But when it’s all said and done, I doubt we trade it, because the players on the list would most likely not even be available.

As for Fiala, I’m sure he’s interested, but not for the 2nd O.

 

[hidek91]

There’s nothing wrong with him but if you could get a legit physical faceoff 3C you could move Boquist to 4C which relieves him of some defensive responsibility and he can sub on a skill line if needed. McLeod isn’t quite a fit at 3C with his limited offense and Boquist isn’t quite a fit at 4C with his limited defense.

I think we are agreeing in principle, I think that neither McLeod or Boqvist can be #3C barring massive improvement, agree that Boqvist doesn't work as #4C, ideally we get new #3C, McLeod is #4C and Boqvist is 13th forward.

I’d say that list of players they’re talking about is really small and that the chances we move the pick are REALLY small.

Fitz hasn’t show a propensity to make stupid moves. I think the only way he moves the pick is if he’s blown out of the water by an offer. Of course he’s going to say he’s open to trading it in order to see his options, any competent GM would do that. But when it’s all said and done, I doubt we trade it, because the players on the list would most likely not even be available.

As for Fiala, I’m sure he’s interested, but not for the 2nd O.

I think that this whole "trading the pick" talk is meant to show Bratt's camp (and others, also general UFA market) that we are about to finish the rebuild and really interested to take the next step. I think it's a bluff on Fitzgerald's part but who knows what Devils' management is thinking.

 

[Doublechin]

Slafkovsky has not been invisible in any game. And I'm not sure about the insinuation that Slafkovsky is "soft" because he's absolutely a heavy player down low and in the net-front.

Preferring Nemec as the pick is fine, but I think this can be achieved by lauding Nemec, rather than inventing a false narrative in order to inaccurately diminish Slafkovsky.


Jiricek has played well in the tournament, although he has not lit it on fire. If anything, he has improved his draft stock. Again, I would say it's fine to want Nemec, but it might be better to promote Nemec than to create narratives diminishing other players competing for the pick.

Offensively I'd disagree with Slafkovsky having good games every game. He played vs well vs weak opposition as he did during the Olympics. His game vs Canada was bad.

Jiricek didn't do anything at all to get his stock to rise, and I have him as a top 4-5 in my rankings. He had some flashes but also some moments where I was like ok, he's not even close to being as polished as the other D he's often mentioned with.

Yes. "ONLY....108 points"

People seem to neglect the fact that Wright post 15 to 20 games had a PPG number that was extremely competitive to previous number ones.

I blame his covid infection for his slow start. The playoffs I have a harder time explaining amd I'm leaning on blaming the coaching, the team and the system

 

[Captain3rdLine]

Offensively I'd disagree with Slafkovsky having good games every game. He played vs well vs weak opposition as he did during the Olympics. His game vs Canada was bad.

Jiricek didn't do anything at all to get his stock to rise, and I have him as a top 4-5 in my rankings. He had some flashes but also some moments where I was like ok, he's not even close to being as polished as the other D he's often mentioned with.


People seem to neglect the fact that Wright post 15 to 20 games had a PPG number that was extremely competitive to previous number ones.

I blame his covid infection for his slow start. The playoffs I have a harder time explaining amd I'm leaning on blaming the coaching, the team and the system

Huh? Slafkovsky wasn’t bad whatsoever vs Canada. He was Slovakia’s most dangerous and best player. He hasn’t played a bad game yet. Not sure what in the world you’re talking about. Did you actually watch the game vs Canada or did you just look at the scoresheet?
Even on the scoresheet he had a team leading 5 shots. But every person I’ve seen who’s commented on Slafkovsky’s game vs Canada has though he was good. No clue in hell what you’re talking about.


And no team in this tournament or in the Olympics is really weak. They would all beat OHL teams and USHL teams.

 

[MakoSlade]

Wood-McLeod-Bastian is a line I could see having increased effectiveness in the playoffs. Boqvist is good enough to be an effective 3C IMO.

I would like to see us get more physical wingers for Boq. He looked much better than I ever gave him credit for last year. Look for Crouse or Marchment type players.