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2018 NHL mock draft: Post-NHL draft lottery

By Derek Grochowski

PLYMOUTH, MI - FEBRUARY 16: Andrei Svechnikov #7 of the Russian Nationals controls the puck in front of Jack Hughes #43 of the USA Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 16, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. USA defeated Russia 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Andrei Svechnikov; Jack Hughes
PLYMOUTH, MI - FEBRUARY 16: Andrei Svechnikov #7 of the Russian Nationals controls the puck in front of Jack Hughes #43 of the USA Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 16, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. USA defeated Russia 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Andrei Svechnikov; Jack Hughes /
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WINDSOR, ON – OCTOBER 05: Forward Barrett Hayton
WINDSOR, ON – OCTOBER 05: Forward Barrett Hayton /

17. New Jersey Devils: C Barrett Hayton   

The New Jersey Devils get a great player late in the first round with Barrett Hayton. He might be the best two-way center in the draft this year. Playing on the Sault Sainte Marie Greyhounds Hayton picked up 60 points in 63 games in the OHL. This team was loaded with talent all around making Hayton’s job easier. He has a great shot and is a good skater. He will not blow you away with his speed but he is strong on his skates and is extremely agile. It is tough to judge where Hayton will go because there are so many strong centers and defensemen in the draft.

The one thing holding Hayton back is his production. He has all of the tools to be successful and an elite player. His numbers just didn’t show it. On a team loaded with talent, the expectation was much higher. He likely translates to a second line center or even an elite third line center with high-end offensive talent. Hayton will never be a team’s offensive driver but a great complimentary piece.

The New Jersey Devils will have a hard time passing on Barrett Hayton if he is available at No. 17. A case could be made that New Jersey needs to add a defenseman but this draft is loaded with good defensemen. There are few players of Hayton’s caliber that will be available at this point. A potential combination of Nico Hischier and Barrett Hayton at center would be great for the Devils for a lot of years.

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