Introduction
Today we are continuing a new series where we look into where our draft picks are and how they’re doing. Much like part one, we will continue to examine the draftees from the 2019 draft class. For part one, click here.
Nikita Okhotyuk
Overview
Position: Defense
Pick: Second round, 61st overall
NHL Rights: New Jersey Devils, rookie contract (three years remaining, $725,000 cap hit)
Age: 19, (December 4, 2000)
Evaluation
I love pure defensive defenseman, and this guy fits the bill perfectly. He’s coming off his second season with the Ottawa 67s where he has developed nicely. He lays down big hits and makes opposing forwards uncomfortable in the zone.
That being said, he needs to improve on defending the rush and holding the blueline. He’s not your Ty Smith put-up-huge-numbers kind of guy, but he’s a competent and capable defender. For now, it looks like he and Kevin Bahl will be the main defensive players of the future.
Look for Okhotyuk to bring a refreshing defensive presence we haven’t seen in years to the lineup. I could see him playing on the second pair in the future, but he could possibly crack the lineup as a bottom-pairing guy this year.
Daniil Misyul
Overview
Position: Defense
Pick: Third round, 70th overall
NHL Rights: New Jersey Devils, unsigned
Age: 20, (October 20, 2000)
Evaluation
Misyul is the first player in this class to have significant playing time in the KHL, one of the toughest leagues in the world. What’s not to like about this guy? He can skate well, contribute to the offense, and is very competitive. He’s really a classic modern-day defenseman.
Furthermore, an added bonus is that he is entering his third season in the KHL. Here he has and will continue to improve his game until he eventually gets to the NHL. Along with Ty Smith, Misyul could be one of the Devils’ offensive-defensemen of the future. He has the makings of a middle-pairing defenseman for the Devils.
Michael Vukojevic
Overview
Position: Defense
Pick: Third round, 82nd overall
Age: 19, (June 8, 2001)
NHL Rights: New Jersey Devils, unsigned
Evaluation
Vukojevic is a decent defenseman who can attack opponents in many different ways. He’s offensively oriented, having put up an impressive 30 points in 63 games in the OHL last year, but he’s also a physical force. At six-foot-three and 191 pounds, he’s not afraid to overpower you, a multi-skill defenseman.
He will need a couple years to develop the mental aspects to his game, but that’s to be expected of a 19 year old. There’s no telling how this pick could turn out, we won’t get a full picture until he fully develops. We just have to wait and see.
Tyce Thompson
Overview
Position: Center
Pick: Fourth round, 96th overall
Age: 21, (July 12, 1999)
NHL Rights: New Jersey Devils, unsigned
Quote
From his coach (via uscho.com): “His dad is a coach, so his practice habits have always been excellent” Leaman told uscho.com. His work ethic has always been good. Because of those two things, he was able to adjust rather quickly to college hockey. His shot got a whole lot better. His shot got a lot more accurate and hard. We started him out at center and I don’t think he was quite himself. We moved him back to the wing and he took off.”
Evaluation
Though he was already a decent pick when drafted, Thompson might make other general managers regret not taking him. A year’s development at Providence College saw him notch 44 points in 34 games with 19 goals to boot. If you couldn’t tell already, I think very highly of this guy.
He will play one more year at Providence, a great school for developing prospects. This should round out the rougher aspects of his game and turn him into a legit player. Let’s be honest, Travis Zajac isn’t getting any younger and this guy could eventually replace him. If that happens, the Devils will have unreal depth at the center position for years to come. Thompson could develop into a top-six forward but will probably play on the third-line behind Hughes and Hischier.
Patrick Moynihan
Overview
Position: Center
Pick: Sixth round, 158th overall
NHL Rights: New Jersey Devils, unsigned
Age: 19, (January 23, 2001)
Evaluation
Moynihan, a promising young forward, is the epitome of versatility and depth. He will (hopefully) enter his sophomore season at Providence College where he has made a decent impression. There, he has proven himself to be a valuable two-way forward with a quick shot, having notched 21 points last season.
Furthermore, Jack Hughes seems to enjoy playing with him, which is a bonus. Moynihan seems like the type of guy that can round out the third line and perform on the penalty kill. If nothing goes awry, Moynihan could play on the bottom-six role adding a little offense and life to the lineup. Good pick overall.
Nikola Pasic
Overview
Position: Center/Left Wing
Pick: Seventh round, 189th overall
Age: 20, (October 16, 2000)
NHL Rights: New Jersey Devils, unsigned
Evaluation
A real boom or bust candidate, Pasic is definitely not a guaranteed NHL player. Nevertheless, he has undeniable on-ice vision and passing ability, Playmakers, like Pasic, are always useful in the bottom of a lineup.
His 35 points in 45 games on BIK Karlskoga is relatively impressive so his development is going well enough. He definitely needs to improve on his skating and speed if he wants to make the NHL, though.
Pasic’s direction is unclear at the moment, but he could be a role player on the fourth line if he makes the NHL. There is not too much riding on his success, but it would be nice to have another supportive playmaker.