2016 NHL Mock Draft: Coyotes draft Auston Matthews

The New Jersey Devils desperately need to add more skilled forwards. They have already done a phenomenal job of doing so. Since last June, they have traded for Kyle Palmieri and Devante Smith-Pelly, giving up little for both, and drafted Pavel Zacha in the 2015 NHL Draft. That’s a wonderful start but they need to stay the course. Julien Gauthier is the complete package and would give the Devils the player who might wind up being the best pure goal scorer of the 2016 NHL Draft.

Gauthier has all the making of a great power forward. He has terrific size (6’4″ and 225 pounds) and he has elite skill. Gauthier is an exceptional skater and has an excellent finishing ability. His wrist shot release is one of the quickest in the draft. It’s rare to see such a huge player have so much skill. He drives to the net hard and has a knack for drawing penalties.

Gauthier plays a physical game but unlike most skaters his age, he’s remarkably disciplined. He can score in a variety of ways, whether it be on breakaways, one-timers from the slot, or driving to the net to clean up a rebound. People have questions about his defense, but at this point, the Devils should be more than happy to deal with his defensive questions because of his elite offensive ability. His defense isn’t great but he’s a quick learner so he shouldn’t be a liability.

Next: #12: Colorado Avalanche