Team Board Mock Draft

[Smitty426]

Just because someone has played on their off side in juniors or can it doesn’t mean they should in the NHL or its where they’re most effective. There’s certain things that are much harder which is why it’s much more common and generally seen as better for d pairings to have guys on their strong sides

I totally agree. The game is so much more at that level. My point being if Hughes is bpa in their eyes, take him. The handiness though very important, should not stop them. If the difference is minimal between Luke and Brandt and right side is lacking pull the trigger. I'm sure this is all part of the list they will work up

 

[Goomba]

Brandt Clarke is being undersold, in my opinion. His hands are absolutely elite, as is his passing ability. He's a terrific shooter and very good skater. An excellent shooter. He's got good size, and though his defensive game still needs work, the improvements he showed in that area last year are an omen of an excellent development curve. His creativity and hockey IQ are off the charts and he has an excellent compete level. There's really nothing not to like about this kid. His ceiling is right up there with Hughes and Power for best of all draft D and his floor probably only trails Power. He's a heck of a prospect.

You have Clarke's floor above Hughes, which makes sense; but then you also have Clarke's ceiling at the same level as Hughes with almost no flaws?

if that were the case among most scouts viewings, Id have a hard time understanding why he isnt a choice at #1 with Power.

which leads me to believe that isnt the case and Clarke's skating is a big enough flaw that cant be understated

 

[My3Sons]

You have Clarke's floor above Hughes, which makes sense; but then you also have Clarke's ceiling at the same level as Hughes with almost no flaws?

if that were the case among most scouts viewings, Id have a hard time understanding why he isnt a choice at #1 with Power.

which leads me to believe that isnt the case and Clarke's skating is a big enough flaw that cant be understated

Aren't all the top picks in this draft seen as good but maybe not great players and that they all have at least a little bit of iffiness to their games? Power may not have a great offensive touch, Beniers may have the skill level of a 2C, Hughes may or may not have some lingering issues from his injury and seems to have questions about his d-zone coverage and maybe his offensive game beyond his skating, Clarke may have all the elements of a great offensive defender except his skating is unorthodox and maybe needs correction? From what I've read it seems that most of the top guys can be nitpicked on some level.

 

[Blackjack]

You have Clarke's floor above Hughes, which makes sense; but then you also have Clarke's ceiling at the same level as Hughes with almost no flaws?

if that were the case among most scouts viewings, Id have a hard time understanding why he isnt a choice at #1 with Power.

which leads me to believe that isnt the case and Clarke's skating is a big enough flaw that cant be understated

I don't think it's there's much dispute that today Clarke is a significantly better hockey player than Hughes. Hughes has his late birthday and best-in-class skating, but Clarke has everything else.

 

[Goomba]

I don't think it's there's much dispute that today Clarke is a significantly better hockey player than Hughes. Hughes has his late birthday and best-in-class skating, but Clarke has everything else.

Then Luke wouldnt even be comparable

that clearly isnt the case. Clarke is being overrated around here

 

[Unknown Caller]

I don't think it's there's much dispute that today Clarke is a significantly better hockey player than Hughes. Hughes has his late birthday and best-in-class skating, but Clarke has everything else.

Wtf is this? Hughes is a better hockey player than Clarke in my opinion, but it’s essentially splitting hairs either way. Almost every major publication has Hughes ahead of Clarke. I’m not sure where you’re getting this from, but it couldn’t be further from the truth.

 

[Unknown Caller]

Then Luke wouldnt even be comparable

that clearly isnt the case. Clarke is being overrated around here

I get that STI prefers Clarke over Hughes which is completely fair and understandable, but there’s some crazy Clarke hive mind with a large group here that Clarke is head and shoulders above Hughes. It’s not close to true.

 

[Raian]

Give me Clarke if Luke is gone

Eklund or Guenther would be nice too, if we had plans to acquire a young dman

 

[Captain3rdLine]

Wtf is this? Hughes is a better hockey player than Clarke in my opinion, but it’s essentially splitting hairs either way. Almost every major publication has Hughes ahead of Clarke. I’m not sure where you’re getting this from, but it couldn’t be further from the truth.

You’re drafting for projection. Right now most people agree that Clarke is a much more polished and better player at the moment. That’s all he’s saying. Hughes is the younger player and has more to work on but some people like his potential more and project him as a better player.

 

[StevenToddIves]

You have Clarke's floor above Hughes, which makes sense; but then you also have Clarke's ceiling at the same level as Hughes with almost no flaws?

if that were the case among most scouts viewings, Id have a hard time understanding why he isnt a choice at #1 with Power.

which leads me to believe that isnt the case and Clarke's skating is a big enough flaw that cant be understated

Brandt Clarke is a good skater, and skating is one of his many strengths -- this cannot be understated.

Luke Hughes has tremendous upside -- he's the best skater in the draft, and his passing/puckhandling skills trail only Brandt Clarke in the 2021 draft among defensemen.

Brandt Clarke has tremendous upside -- his passing/puckhandling combo is the best in the 2021 draft for defensemen, and he's a near-elite shooter with very good skating ability.

Clarke's floor is probably higher, because at the current moment he's better, and there are no injury concerns. I'd say their upsides are similar. This is why I have currently ranked Brandt Clarke in my top 3 and Luke Hughes at #6. Both of these fine young talents have work to do defensively, although Clarke really improved in that respect this year to a greater degree than Hughes. However, Hughes' speed gives him a defensive upside which is, at the very least, equal to Clarke. He's just not close to that level yet.

So, we're talking about two players ranked in my top 6 in a draft which I have repeatedly stated is very close within the top 6 or 7. I'd have to say that everything I'm saying -- whether or not everyone agrees with it -- is pretty consistent and non-contradictory.

 

[StevenToddIves]

I don't think it's there's much dispute that today Clarke is a significantly better hockey player than Hughes. Hughes has his late birthday and best-in-class skating, but Clarke has everything else.

Clarke has the best passing/puckhandling combo of any D in the draft, I don't think anyone is really questioning that. But Hughes is not far behind. Hughes is the best skater in the draft, but Clarke is also a very good skater. Clarke's huge advantages are in shooting and defensive play. I don't think Hughes will ever shoot like Clarke, but his elite skating gives him the chance to be at least as good defensively, he's just further off so there's uncertainty there. I'd give Clarke a nod in IQ, but Hughes is also quite smart.

 

[StevenToddIves]

I get that STI prefers Clarke over Hughes which is completely fair and understandable, but there’s some crazy Clarke hive mind with a large group here that Clarke is head and shoulders above Hughes. It’s not close to true.

I'm not saying Clarke will be better than Hughes in 5 years. I think that's a super close call. What I'm saying is, if you were picking a team and you had to win today, Clarke is currently the better player. All that means is that there is more projection with Hughes than there is with Clarke.

 

[PizzaAndPucks]

I'm warming up the idea of taking Hughes more by the day. I'm starting to think a team like Seattle or Anaheim might bight on them. Seattle might be prone to taking Beniers to have a top center to build around but Francis really stocked the D in Carolina so taking Hughes/Edvinsson/Clarke might be his preference. Anaheim can go either way. Hughes at 4 really is a toss up right now.

 

[Raian]

Clarke has the best passing/puckhandling combo of any D in the draft, I don't think anyone is really questioning that. But Hughes is not far behind. Hughes is the best skater in the draft, but Clarke is also a very good skater. Clarke's huge advantages are in shooting and defensive play. I don't think Hughes will ever shoot like Clarke, but his elite skating gives him the chance to be at least as good defensively, he's just further off so there's uncertainty there. I'd give Clarke a nod in IQ, but Hughes is also quite smart.

You give Clarke the nod in everything but skating

that to me doesnt seem like a 'not far behind' comparison

 

[StevenToddIves]

You give Clarke the nod in everything but skating

that to me doesnt seem like a 'not far behind' comparison

I think Hughes' skating and IQ give him a very high defensive upside, though he certainly needs a lot of work. Both players are elite in the categories of passing and puck-handling. Clarke's shot is certainly "advantage Clarke". Hughes' skating is a runaway for "advantage Hughes" -- and this, to me, the 4th most important category for a defender after passing/IQ/compete level.

The reason I have Clarke ranked higher -- and I keep stressing this so there is no confusion -- is there is more projection with Hughes. He's younger, more raw in the nuances of the game, and coming off a season-ending injury in his draft-eligible season. It's not as if I have Clarke ranked #2 and Hughes ranked #22. They are very close. Hughes' puck skills combined with his elite skating give him absolutely tremendous upside. Clarke's elite passing/puckhandling/IQ/shooting combo give him absolutely tremendous upside. These are both stunningly great prospects with #1D, all-star NHL upside.

It's no secret I'm a fan of both of these players. The fact that I slightly prefer Brandt Clarke is in no way a criticism or dismissal of Luke Hughes. Were the Devils to draft #4 with both of these players available, I would be thrilled with either one.

 

[Raian]

I think Hughes' skating and IQ give him a very high defensive upside, though he certainly needs a lot of work. Both players are elite in the categories of passing and puck-handling. Clarke's shot is certainly "advantage Clarke". Hughes' skating is a runaway for "advantage Hughes" -- and this, to me, the 4th most important category for a defender after passing/IQ/compete level.

The reason I have Clarke ranked higher -- and I keep stressing this so there is no confusion -- is there is more projection with Hughes. He's younger, more raw in the nuances of the game, and coming off a season-ending injury in his draft-eligible season. It's not as if I have Clarke ranked #2 and Hughes ranked #22. They are very close. Hughes' puck skills combined with his elite skating give him absolutely tremendous upside. Clarke's elite passing/puckhandling/IQ/shooting combo give him absolutely tremendous upside. These are both stunningly great prospects with #1D, all-star NHL upside.

It's no secret I'm a fan of both of these players. The fact that I slightly prefer Brandt Clarke is in no way a criticism or dismissal of Luke Hughes. Were the Devils to draft #4 with both of these players available, I would be thrilled with either one.

I have no problem with your assessment but moreso that, if thats how you truly feel, I think youre giving too much leeway to Luke

I personally prefer Luke as I think hes as good a skater as any in recent memory, at 17, and if Jack and Quinn are any sign of things to come he will be a top-10 dman one day. His defensive shortcoming will be fixed by a long reach and a strong core, Im not worried like I wasnt with Jacks 'defense'

Clarke to me is a surefire top-4 dman, and will go as far as his awkward stride takes him. If thats to a top-10 dman I wouldnt even be shocked; but if were discussing specifics, Id argue Luke's passing is better but more than just the physical dish, but how and where hes delivering it from and at the speed hes processing those passes.

Im terrible with comparisons as I take such a simplistic view, but I think Lukes skating and quick processing can fake over, whereas Clarke can take a game over on sheer decision making and shiftiness

 

[StevenToddIves]

I have no problem with your assessment but moreso that, if thats how you truly feel, I think youre giving too much leeway to Luke

I personally prefer Luke as I think hes as good a skater as any in recent memory, at 17, and if Jack and Quinn are any sign of things to come he will be a top-10 dman one day. His defensive shortcoming will be fixed by a long reach and a strong core, Im not worried like I wasnt with Jacks 'defense'

Clarke to me is a surefire top-4 dman, and will go as far as his awkward stride takes him. If thats to a top-10 dman I wouldnt even be shocked; but if were discussing specifics, Id argue Luke's passing is better but more than just the physical dish, but how and where hes delivering it from and at the speed hes processing those passes.

Im terrible with comparisons as I take such a simplistic view, but I think Lukes skating and quick processing can fake over, whereas Clarke can take a game over on sheer decision making and shiftiness

Brandt Clarke is a good skater and skating is a strength, especially his edges and acceleration. Any draft writer who writes that Clarke is a poor skater because his skating stride looks unusual needs to be dismissed for this inaccurate and knee-jerk idea. Though Clarke's skating is nowhere near the elite ability of Luke Hughes, his ability to change direction on a dime combined with the best set of hands of any defenseman to come out of the draft since Cale Makar makes him absurdly elusive.

I rank skating fairly high when assessing prospect defensemen, but it's nowhere near my top 3 criteria of passing/vision, hockey IQ and compete level. A defender who excels in these three respects will always find a way to get a puck out of trouble and up ice; a defender who excels in these three respects will always find a way to create at least a fair degree of offense. We can not find an elite NHL defenseman in the past dozen years who was did not excel in any of these respects. However, there have been many excellent NHLers who were not excellent skaters, and more are drafted every year. While skating is hugely beneficial to both a player and a team, they are not as requisite. Shea Weber was an elite defenseman for years. Zdeno Chara was an elite defenseman for years. Trying to find an elite defenseman who did not think the game at an elite level or pass the puck with elite vision, however, is impossible -- and these are two of Clarke's finest attributes.

I'm not disagreeing with you about anything here, I'm just saying that while Hughes' skating gives him a huge advantage in projecting his future NHL success, Clarke's puck-distribution and hockey IQ give him a tremendous advantage, as well. And while Hughes is also a terrific passer and a very smart player, Clarke is also a good skater. The difference here is that no one is questioning Hughes' puck-skills, while Clarke's skating is taking some unwarranted flak simply because it looks weird.

 

[Raian]

Brandt Clarke is a good skater and skating is a strength, especially his edges and acceleration. Any draft writer who writes that Clarke is a poor skater because his skating stride looks unusual needs to be dismissed for this inaccurate and knee-jerk idea. Though Clarke's skating is nowhere near the elite ability of Luke Hughes, his ability to change direction on a dime combined with the best set of hands of any defenseman to come out of the draft since Cale Makar makes him absurdly elusive.

I rank skating fairly high when assessing prospect defensemen, but it's nowhere near my top 3 criteria of passing/vision, hockey IQ and compete level. A defender who excels in these three respects will always find a way to get a puck out of trouble and up ice; a defender who excels in these three respects will always find a way to create at least a fair degree of offense. We can not find an elite NHL defenseman in the past dozen years who was did not excel in any of these respects. However, there have been many excellent NHLers who were not excellent skaters, and more are drafted every year. While skating is hugely beneficial to both a player and a team, they are not as requisite. Shea Weber was an elite defenseman for years. Zdeno Chara was an elite defenseman for years. Trying to find an elite defenseman who did not think the game at an elite level or pass the puck with elite vision, however, is impossible -- and these are two of Clarke's finest attributes.

I'm not disagreeing with you about anything here, I'm just saying that while Hughes' skating gives him a huge advantage in projecting his future NHL success, Clarke's puck-distribution and hockey IQ give him a tremendous advantage, as well. And while Hughes is also a terrific passer and a very smart player, Clarke is also a good skater. The difference here is that no one is questioning Hughes' puck-skills, while Clarke's skating is taking some unwarranted flak simply because it looks weird.

Just to be clear I wasnt attacking Clarke for his skating, moreso just pointing out that he will go as far as his skating takes him and depends how much he can improve it. So basically Im saying he has all the tools to make plays standing still practically; so if he can improve his skating by X, his ceiling will improve by X, which could give him the highest ceiling in the draft

the only real thing id criticize the awkward stride for is his ability to defend the rush may be affected, as well as his overall ability to improve his stride; I havent spent enough time watching his film to know specifically, but if I had to guess his crossover is probably slow or awkward as well. Again, a minor thing that can be practiced on but at some point he should see a skating coach or have a video coach analyze his stride in intense detail

Maybe Im letting Luke's pedigree get in the way or I am just too influenced by his silky smooth skating vs Clarkes which seems labored. I never played competitive hockey past teenage travel like Bantams because contact wasnt my favorite when i was 13 playing 16 year olds; however I do take from
That a strong skating foundation, as i started when I was three and coach today. And so perhaps that is why Im biased to choose Lukes ceiling over Brandt's

I agree about importance of whats in your top-3 skills assessment but, obviously, thats where We end up disagreeing is what we have rated as top-3 skills; I have it #2 behind vision, which im sure is a controversial #1. Though I include things like compete, attitude, and overall health as assumed positives; because if im looking at you as a prospect and you dont have those three, Im not taking you unless its a high reward later pick

I have it vision, skating, processing. I connect IQ to things more closely related with real life intelligence, like decision making and reactionary choices (first play in-tight type things). For example, id never say Malkin has a high IQ, but his vision and processing are off the charts; same with MacKinnon. While if I had to choose highest IQ guys in the league, id go Bergeron OReilly and Crosby. Another underratedly-smart player is Barkov

I just think, when it comes to my personal top-3, Luke takes the cake in two of the three (skating and processing). Thats not to insinuate Clarke cant skate well (Laine isnt a as bad A skater People thought hed be) nor processes the game fast enough; but moreso the speed in which Luke processes at (similar to his bros) as well as his skatings' ceiling, as hes already a top-100 skater in the league if he stepped foot on NHL ice tomorrow with a partially torn tendon.

To sum it up, I have Lukes floor as a bottom-pairing PPQB, with his ceiling being Erik Karlsson-esque game takeover. Or close to home Scott Niedermayer. I have Clarke's floor as a #4 offensive dman, with his ceiling being a top-15 dman who can control the pace of the game like.. a Doughty? A Housely? Im not too sure whos a HOF that played closely like that, as ive said before comparables are tough for me; though for players today Adam Fox and Makar are close comparables IMO

if we get Clarke im jumping off my couch and fist pumping like a true Jersey Shore native lmao. unfortunately Im just a dirty Hughes bro in disguise and Im of the belief that, if both available, Fitzgerald wont dare pass on Jacks bro

 

[RSeen]

Brandt Clarke is a good skater, and skating is one of his many strengths -- this cannot be understated.

Luke Hughes has tremendous upside -- he's the best skater in the draft, and his passing/puckhandling skills trail only Brandt Clarke in the 2021 draft among defensemen.

Brandt Clarke has tremendous upside -- his passing/puckhandling combo is the best in the 2021 draft for defensemen, and he's a near-elite shooter with very good skating ability.

Clarke's floor is probably higher, because at the current moment he's better, and there are no injury concerns. I'd say their upsides are similar. This is why I have currently ranked Brandt Clarke in my top 3 and Luke Hughes at #6. Both of these fine young talents have work to do defensively, although Clarke really improved in that respect this year to a greater degree than Hughes. However, Hughes' speed gives him a defensive upside which is, at the very least, equal to Clarke. He's just not close to that level yet.

So, we're talking about two players ranked in my top 6 in a draft which I have repeatedly stated is very close within the top 6 or 7. I'd have to say that everything I'm saying -- whether or not everyone agrees with it -- is pretty consistent and non-contradictory.

I've seen Clarke's skating referenced as not being strong. Can you give more details on what makes you think his skating is a strength?

If his skating is as good as you say, I would lean towards wanting him picked over Hughes.

 

[StevenToddIves]

I've seen Clarke's skating referenced as not being strong. Can you give more details on what makes you think his skating is a strength?

If his skating is as good as you say, I would lean towards wanting him picked over Hughes.

Luke Hughes is an elite skater in every respect -- top speeds, acceleration, balance, 4-way mobility, edge work.

Clarke has above-average top speed and acceleration. His balance is above-average to good, and his 4-way mobility is very good. The finest aspect of Clarke's skating is his edge-work, which is excellent. Kid can turn and spin on a dime, which when combined with his elite hands and hockey IQ makes him as elusive in tight spaces as Luke Hughes.

There is nothing about Clarke's skating which is below-average, much less poor. The most oft-cited criticism with Clarke's skating is that it looks weird -- which is the silliest criticism I've ever heard. It's like not drafting a .320 hitter with power in baseball because you don't like his batting stance.

Can Clarke skate like Hughes? No way. Hughes is a rare, elite skater who is also 6'2. But we have to weight that alongside the fact that Clarke is a superior puck-handler and passer -- which is saying a lot since those are two of Hughes' foremost strengths. Clarke is unbelievably skilled and smart, and he also adds an excellent shot and much-improved defense.

These are two terrific prospects, and we are all welcome to prefer who we want. But you can't go wrong with either player, so it's important not to put down one in order to justify the other. I think this is what has gone in in recent months with silly, unfounded criticisms of Clarke's skating or Hughes' attitude.

I prefer Clarke, because I do not think skating is as important a tool for an NHL defenseman as passing or hockey IQ, both of which I would give Clarke the edge over Hughes in. Again, this is not an insult to Hughes, who is terrific in both respects, as well. Clarke just has an absolutely elite combination of these traits.

 

[Eggtimer]

There is no way I can fathom both of Hughes and Clarke being gone at 4th which is why I was very pleased we ended up at 4th instead of 5th . 5th there could have been a very good possibility that Power Hughes and Clarke were all gone. That would have sucked sack in a very big way.

 

[Jersey Fan 12]

The more I hear the Clarke-Hughes discussion the more I think the Devils should trade the pick to either aquire multiple picks or a veteran defenseman who is primarily a defender and other assets.

While both players appear to be talented, both seem to be longer range prospects and neither fill the organization's biggest glaring shortcoming - hardness and willingness/consistency in the defensive zone.

 

[aboriginal]

dude

 

[MartyOwns]

The more I hear the Clarke-Hughes discussion the more I think the Devils should trade the pick to either aquire multiple picks or a veteran defenseman who is primarily a defender and other assets.

While both players appear to be talented, both seem to be longer range prospects and neither fill the organization's biggest glaring shortcoming - hardness and willingness/consistency in the defensive zone.

we’re finally in a position to draft a top pairing defenseman and you want to trade the pick?

we’re not going to compete for a cup for a least 2 years, it makes no sense to trade the pick for a veteran defenseman IMO

 

[Pitaya]

The more I hear the Clarke-Hughes discussion the more I think the Devils should trade the pick to either aquire multiple picks or a veteran defenseman who is primarily a defender and other assets.

While both players appear to be talented, both seem to be longer range prospects and neither fill the organization's biggest glaring shortcoming - hardness and willingness/consistency in the defensive zone.

I know pots legal now but you gotta hit a G up with where you got yours, cause that shit kicks