Jesper Bratt’s first half helped lead the Devils to the playoffs
Jesper Bratt was a very pleasant surprise for the Devils last season. Without his red hot first half, it is tough to imagine the Devils would have even made the playoffs. The fact that a former sixth-round pick was able contribute this effectively at the NHL level is a very rare occurrence. Very few players from even outside of the first round have the kind of impact Bratt had on this team. It is hard to predict players that could turn out to be late-round diamonds in the rough, but some of the players below could go a long way in training camp if they earn the type of opportunity as Jesper Bratt did last fall.
Davies had a strong season at Northeastern
Jeremy Davies
The former 2016 seventh-round pick has fit right in at Northeastern University. In the past two years, Davies has put up 58 points in 74 games. He has shown high class offensive abilities quarterbacking the Husky’s potent power play. If Davies’ skating and vision can translate to the NHL level, he could fit in very well in a blue line corps that is starving for puck-movers.
Studenic was a key member of the Hamilton offense this season
Marian Studenic
Studenic built upon a strong rookie season in the OHL, jumping from 30 to 48 points, and seems to fit the Devils playing style. Studenic’s most prominent feature is his skating ability. The Hamilton forward has also experienced some success in harnessing his speed, using it to into create offense in transition which is something the Devils excel at doing. Studenic also plays right wing, a position of great need in Newark.
Chainey has a lot of room to grow over the next couple of seasons
Jocktan Chainey
Nico Hischier wasn’t the only Halifax Moosehead taken in last years draft. In the seventh-round New Jersey selected left-handed defenseman Jocktan Chainey, who was one of the youngest players available. Like the previous two players listed, Chainey has made great strides over the past season, posting 44 points in 60 games. Hopefully after one more year of juniors, he will be ready to make a serious jump to pro-hockey.