Last night the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft took place and the New Jersey Devils were able to add 3 high level picks to the organization’s prospect pool. 

Their first pick was at number 7 overall where they selected 18 year-old Swedish right winger Alexander Holtz. He led all 18 and under players in the Swedish Hockey League during the 2019-2020 season with 16 points consisting of 9 goals and 7 assists. Holtz is touted as the prospect with potentially the best shot in the 2020 Draft Class. Shortly after being drafted last night he was asked if he was NHL ready. 

“It's a hard question, of course my goal is to be as ready as I can be everyday, so that is what I work for to be as ready as I can be,” says Holtz. “Maybe it’s right now but I think when you get more experience you get that feeling, so maybe, it’s a hard question.”

If he needs some more fine tuning before making his NHL debut there’s a chance we could see him playing in Binghamton. 

 

Later in the first round the Devils selected 18 year-old Canadien center Dawson Mercer at 18 overall. Then with their final pick of the first round, New Jersey selected 18-year-old Russian defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin.

Devils General Manager Tom Fitzgerald says that he does not expect any of last night’s picks to be at New Jersey training camp this upcoming season.