NHL mock draft: Final projections for every first-round pick

17. New Jersey Devils – D Bode Wilde

The New Jersey Devils were beneficiaries of a bad bottom half of their division and snuck into a wild-card spot. They were eliminated in the first round, but the season was still considered a success. The Devils will need to get better on defense to be a perennial playoff team. They have the skill on offense to be dangerous but lack the depth defensively. The current group features Andy Greene, who is nearly 36, John Moore and Ben Lovejoy. All three players could definitely be improved on. Bode Wilde gives them that upgrade and even provides some offense for the Devils on their blue line. Which will be a nice change from just Will Butcher carrying that load.

It certainly has been an interesting week heading up to the draft, it probably won’t help any teams that were on the fence about him make up their mind. Wilde was left off of Team USA World Junior Evaluation Camp’s roster. Not a great look when 45 of the top players get invited and Wilde was left off. Another not so great look is the fact that Wilde announced he will not be attending the University of Michigan next season. Wilde is allowed to make his own decision and that shouldn’t be held against him. However, it may hurt his appearance to some teams because they will want to know what his future plan is before they invest a top pick in him.

Bode Wilde has no shortage of talent. He can make every play you ask for from an elite defenseman. He can skate his way out of danger or pass to a teammate to lead a breakout. The biggest question Wilde faces is how well can he process what is going on around him. There are certain times where he relies too heavily on his physical traits and not enough on the mental side of his game. No matter where he decides to play hockey next year he will need to get better at reading the play.