On the New Jersey Devils and the No. 1 pick …
Steve Politi of NJ.com: The New Jersey Devils hold the first overall pick in this year’s draft, with divisional rivals the Philadelphia Flyers picking at No. 2.
“Look, whoever we don’t pick — unless (the Flyers) trade the pick — will be playing against us at least six times a year,” Shero said. “If we get the pick right, we’re going to be happy he’s on our side. It can’t be my concern about who we don’t pick becoming good for somebody else.
“I’ve just got to make sure, from our standpoint, doing what’s best for the New Jersey Devils.”
GM Ray Shero has a pretty good idea who they will be taking with the pick. They could trade the pick, but will most likely hold on to it.
Shero isn’t tipping his hand if it will be Nolan Patrick or Nico Hischier.
On the Philadelphia Flyers and the No. 2 pick …
John Boruk: Flyers source saying that Nolan Patrick would fit more of what Ron Hextall’s is looking for in a center over Nico Hischier.
On the Dallas Stars and the No. 3 pick …
Mike Heika: Think the Stars take Miro Heiskanen at No. 3 over Cale Makar. May consider trying to move back and select Makar as they like both.
Sean Shapiro: Seems like the Stars are leaning towards taking a defenseman – Heiskanen or Makar – over a center.
On the Colorado Avalanche and the No. 4 pick …
AJ Haefele of BSN Denver: Avalanche Director of Amateur Scouting Alan Hepple had a conference call Monday afternoon. When comparing defensemen Cale Makar and Miro Heiskanen, it seemed like Hepple leans towards Makar. There is no guarantee the Avs will draft a defenseman.
“I’ve had that talk with Joe,” Hepple admitted. “There’s no pressure. We’re taking the best player available. So there has been no pressure from Joe or anybody. At that point in the draft, we have to stay the course and take the best player available like the last two years with Tyson Jost and Mikko Rantanen. They were the best players available at the time and we’ll continue to do the same thing this year.”
The Avs could trade back, but that would depend on the offer.
Adrian Dater: Some people thinking the Avs are praying for Makar to be available at No. 4.