All the more reason for Montreal to take him with the first pick I'd say. Because you are right and the Devils would have absolutely drafted him. The Devils back office on draft night were probably holding hands in a prayer circlle for the Habs to take anyone but Slaf. I mean, at this point, with Vanacek looking good, that high end power-winger and maybe one more winger, are really the only main pieces they are missing. Their current wingers are good goal scorers, but not exactly game dominaters and really only Palat can play a physical game. Maybe Tatar a tiny bit. But Sharangovich and Bratt are certainly not there for their menacing presence.
So it honestly sounds to me like the Devils needed Slafkovsky more than Slafkovsky specifically needed the Devils. Unless Foote eventually does develop into a player. But he's been slow to develop, also a big dude. All though, only weighs like 197 at 6'3, so he'll prob have to still add mass.
I actually thought they'd trade down at the point in the draft when their dreams were shattered, which I honestly still think might have been the best move on their part, add another good pick or two and move back somewhere in the top 10. Maybe gram like Kemmel and then whatever with the other picks. Hopefully their choice of Nemec over Jiricek wont come back to bight them. And while I'm sure Nemec will be fine, Jiricek, at least thus far, as looked like he's on a different level. I called that wrong too. I was team Nemec all day. Meh. Not that he'll be bad or bust or anything like that. But Jiricek is really killing it. Things can still change of course.
Well, the Habs have Suzuki, and while he's not quite on Hughes' level, he's still a legitimate 1C, I would say in that middle tier range of 1Cs. Actually, in terms of offense and all around game, the Bergron comparisons are starting to look somewhat accurate. But offensively, Bergeron has only scored at or above a PPG pace only 2 seasons I believe. But I wouldn't have any issue whatsoever if a young prospect for my club was destined to play with a young center of that mold.
And it doesn't automatically mean he would develop better, or end up becoming the same or as good a player. He could end up getting Lafreniered, even in a year or two if they did have him wait to be brought up, relegated to 3rd and 4th line work so the Devils can win games as they'll be contending relatively seriously at that point I'd imagine. So it realistically could have had the opposite effect.
And we can't even say for sure that another year or two outside of the NHL would have been better for his development. It's very possible, but we just won't be able to really determine that for a few years at least.
