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VANCOUVER — The problem with doing a winners and losers column at the end of the NHL Entry Draft is that you really should wait two or three years before making any conclusions.

And yet, there’s really no need for hindsight this year.

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The New Jersey Devils won the weekend. It’s not even close.

On Friday, the team acquired top prospect Jack Hughes with the No. 1 overall pick. The following day, they made an even bigger pick-up in trading for defenceman P.K. Subban from the Nashville Predators.

With that, a team that had finished the season with the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference is suddenly a Stanley Cup contender. At the very least, you can pencil the Devils in to make the playoffs next year.

“Those were two good days for us,” said GM Ray Shero, who couldn’t wipe the smile off his face if he tried. “Jack yesterday, obviously the P.K. Subban trade today. That was a really great day for us and our franchise.”