Devils Rank 4th On Corey Pronman’s Prospect List, Place Four In Top-50

Corey Pronman revealed his organizational rankings of all 32 teams’ prospects aged 22 and younger last week. This week, Pronman ranks the best young players – aged 23 and under – overall on teams’ reserve lists, meaning within an NHL organization, in or outside the league. Nitpicking and disagreeing with the list is part and parcel with reviewing and discussing the rankings.

Regardless of whether you agree with the ratings or not, the effort to compile the list is yeomen-like. Pronman defended his rankings on a podcast with Scott Wheeler, also of the Athletic, and Chris Peters of Flohockey on Monday. It was a good listen and worth downloading on whatever podcast service you use. There are many others you can read and follow for their rankings, but as we wind down the summer, I thought this would be a good conversation piece for each of the three New York area Metro teams and the league as a whole.

Like the first sets of blogs, I will go in alphabetical order. As a result, we begin this series with New Jersey. As part of the series, I will add in where each team sat in the overall team rankings plus add in the blurbs for each of the players from the 23 and under column.

Pronman has NJ ranked fourth overall in his team rankings. Given the young talent in the NHL and on their way up, that placement came as little surprise. Accordingly, several names are included in the 23 and under column. In that column, Pronman ranks the player’s skating, puck skills, hockey sense, compete and shot from below average to High-end.

Pipeline #4: New Jersey https://t.co/9jZZovtwZR

— Corey Pronman (@coreypronman) August 24, 2023

All 32 teams prospects aged 22 and under ranked:

This week we publish the 2023 NHL Pipeline Rankings, ranking the best groups of talent age 22 or under in NHL organizations. https://t.co/KMJ2EvDVmj

— Corey Pronman (@coreypronman) August 21, 2023

Tier 2 – elite NHL player – #2 overall – Jack Hughes

Anyone shocked by this placement must have their hockey fandom revoked. A very salient argument could be made that Hughes should be first overall. If not for an injury that sidelined him for a bit last season, Hughes would have become New Jersey’s n50-goal, 100-point scorer. Barring injury, those numbers are undoubtedly attainable.

Skating – High-end

Puck skills – High-end

Hockey sense – High-end

Compete – Above average

Shot – Above average

 Jack Hughes is the definition of an offensive dynamo. He was one of the very best players in the NHL this past season, scoring 99 points and being a leading part of a top NHL offense. His skating plus skill combination is special. He has elite edge work that can allow him to evade so many checks despite his statute. He can make high-end skilled plays through defenders and to teammates at the quickest tempos. Hughes isn’t that physical, but he brings it every night and plays with courage, going to the hard areas despite his size. He may never be the best defensive center or the best on the dot, but he’s a franchise No. 1 center who should be a star in the league for a long time.

Tier 3 – Bubble elite NHL player and NHL All-Star – #9 overall – Luke Hughes

If one Hughes is good, certainly two is a step above. Luke stepped into the NHL late in the season and in the playoffs without looking out of place. As Pronman noted, the top-end skating is what sets him apart. Like many young players, Hughes could benefit from getting a little stronger, which would help him in his own end. But his ability to avoid checks and skate the puck out of danger should carry him as he builds strength.

Skating – High-end

Puck skills – Above average

Hockey sense – Average

Compete – Above average

Shot – Above average

Luke Hughes was one of the top defensemen in college hockey and after joining New Jersey late in the season, showed well in an early NHL glimpse, including playoff games where he played 25 minutes in the Devils’ final match. Hughes, like his older brother, is dynamic. His skating is outstanding, with special edge work and explosiveness, especially for a guy his size. He attacks with his feet and very good skill and is often a threat when he gets the puck at either end. He’s not a great playmaker, but he can move pucks as it’s more his elusiveness and blue-line play that creates offense. Hughes can be leaned on for big minutes due to his feet and strong effort level. He has all the makings of a star No. 1 defenseman in the NHL

Tier 6 – top of the lineup player – #28 overall – Dawson Mercer 

Mercer took a major step forward last season for New Jersey. A first-round pick in 2020, Mercer played all 82 games each of the last two seasons, raising his production across the board last year. Mercer should be a fixture on the second line and second power play unit for years to come. Look for another rise in production in 2023-24.

Skating – Below average

Puck skills – Above average

Hockey sense – Average

Compete – Above average

Mercer looks a lot like the type of player you see deep into the spring in an NHL lineup even if he’s not the flashiest player. He is coming off a 56-point season for New Jersey. He’s got a great motor. He wins a lot of battles despite not being the fastest. He gets to the net and creates a lot of offense around the high percentage areas. Mercer has very good skill and vision and can make highly skilled plays, but the offense created through his effort is why he will likely be a longtime top-six forward who can play in any situation.

Tier 7 – Bubble top and middle of the lineup player – #50 Simon Nemec