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5 Devils Must-Draft First-Round Targets – Best Fits & Bold Strategy
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- 5 Devils Must-Draft First-Round Targets – Best Fits & Bold Strategy
The New Jersey Devils are officially locked in at 12th overall in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft.
If you've read thus far, you'll know we've advocated that the Devils should be aggressive in pursuit to move the pick in a trade to bring in a top-six forward that will immediately impact the roster. Preferablly on Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt 's line.
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However, there's always the chance that a trade doesn't materialize and Sunny Mehta will have to use the pick to draft a player.
The 2026 NHL Draft, headlined by Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg, is generally believed to be a strong draft with a lot of talent—although no true generational talent. However, at 12, the Devils could fetch a real player.
It's unlikely said player will impact the roster sooner than later, but Mehta can certainly address a need in the pipeline at forward.
That's right, the Devils have no true blue-chip forward prospects at this point in the organizations trajectory. So, if it comes down to it, the Devils should be taking a forward.
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And with the way prospects are developing these days before they get to the NHL, the Devils should probably take a good look at the NCAA pool of prospects as they appear to be the most prepared for the NHLs style of play.
So, who are the candidates for the Devils at 12th overall?
Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University (NCAA)
Most of Tynan Lawrence's projections see him as a bubble top-10 first round pick. Some see him inside the top-10, while others project him just outside.
If Lawrence falls to New Jersey 's selection, he should undoubtedly be their top choice no matter who is on the board assuming the McKenna's and Stenberg's have all been taken.
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Lawrence draws big comparables in terms of players he is similar to. Scott Wheeler uncovered names such as Sidney Crosby and Macklin Celebrini when speaking with junior executives that have watched Lawrence's game.
His drawback is that he's not necessarily dynamic in any of his skillsets, but he's still strong enough in all areas of his game that project him to be a No.2 center at the NHL level.
At 6-feet, 185 lbs, Lawrence is a natural, well-rounded forward with a quick, instinctive release and the ability to generate scoring chances in stride. A strong, powerful skater with excellent pace, he consistently creates plays off the rush while demonstrating elite puck protection and a relentless work ethic, which certainly aligns with the Devils' strengths.
Lawrence tracks the puck hard in all three zones, commits fully to defensive responsibilities, and wins his share of battles and races along the boards. Importantly, Lawrence plays a disciplined, two-way game—he refuses to cheat for offense, making him a reliable, high-character contributor who excels in both ends of the ice.
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If Lawrence is available, he might be the best fit in New Jersey.
Oscar Hemming, LW, Boston College(NCAA)
Oscar Hemming is a big , powerful 6-foot-3, 193-pound forward with legitimate pro attributes and top-10 upside.
A strong, explosive skater who builds speed quickly, he uses his size and momentum to become a handful when driving wide or straight to the net, where he consistently parks himself and battles for position. He possesses a sharp pro-style release and showed promising shot generation in the NCAA, putting eight points on the board in 19 games while averaging a very respectable 16:25 of ice time as a 17-year-old.
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While some games highlighted his raw tools and physical dominance, others showed him still adjusting to the pace and chemistry with linemates.
Questions remain about his hockey IQ and playmaking, but his combination of elite size, strength, and willingness to go to the dirty areas gives him a very appealing projection as a power forward.
Heming projects as a potential Hughes and Bratt linemate, but two to three years down the road.
Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor (OHL)
For obvious reasons Ethan Belchetz is the one exception tot he rule of looking at players with NCAA experience.
Belchetz is a hulking 6-foot-5, 228-pound winger with NHL-ready size and the physical maturity of a much older player.
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The first overall pick in the 2024 OHL Draft, he combines legitimate skill, scoring touch, and developing playmaking ability with impressive pace once he gets going.
Belchetz thrives in congested areas with strong offensive tools, using his massive frame to drive the middle of the ice and create chances around the net.
While his feet can look a bit heavy out of the blocks and his stride occasionally clunky, he covers ground well and becomes a handful in motion.
His biggest area for growth is his board game—he is still learning to consistently bump opponents off pucks and make quick decisions along the walls, a critical skill for someone with his size.
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Reminiscent of Matthew Knies , Belchetz has the tools to develop into a dominant, power-wing presence.
Similar to Hemming, Belchetz's ceiling–if he can reach it—is a top-six winger.
J.P. Hurlbert, LW, Kamloops (WHL)
J.P. Hurlbert is a highly skilled scoring winger and one of the most dangerous pure goal scorers in his draft class.
Committed to the University of Michigan, the 6-foot, 183-pound right shot is approaching NHL-ready size and has already put up elite production, posting 42 goals and 55 assists for 97 points in 68 games as a 17-year-old in the WHL (finishing 4th in league scoring) after earlier showing well with 31 points in 34 games at the USNTDP.
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He boasts an elite shot, high hockey IQ, and the ability to create and finish high-danger chances consistently, making him a major threat on the power play.
While his effort level and skating speed sit around average, his offensive instincts and finishing ability give him a strong projection as a middle-six NHL winger who can contribute meaningfully on special teams.
Hurlbert is another forward with the ceiling of a top-six scorer if he reaches his potential.
Wyatt Cullen, LW, USNTDP
Wyatt Cullen is a dynamic left winger for the USNTDP and a University of Minnesota commit whose rapid physical development has fueled a meteoric rise up draft boards.
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The son of former NHLer Matt Cullen , he has exploded from a slight 5-foot-5, 120-pound player in spring 2024 to a solid 6-foot-1, 176 pounds, a growth spurt that has unlocked new levels of speed, strength, and confidence in his game.
In 40 games this season, the creative playmaker has tallied 16 goals and 45 points, showcasing elite vision, high-end playmaking, and the ability to shake defenders with elusive, head-up puck carries.
Cullen's excellent stickhandling and soft hands shine especially in tight areas, while his strong puck protection in transition and newfound willingness to shoot make him a constant offensive threat.
With game-breaking top-six potential and buzz that has him flirting with the top-10, Cullen projects as a highly skilled, creative forward capable of generating offense through speed, vision, and deception at the next level.
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