With about a week until the actual NHL Draft takes place, we leaned on our beat writers to provide insight into each team’s draft strategy by making them select their respective club’s first-round pick.



Corey Pronman added commentary on each selection but did not make the picks. His own mock draft can be found here, plus his draft board and player scouting reports.



1. New Jersey Devils



Jack Hughes, C, USNTDP-USHL



Kaapo Kakko looked great at the World Championship and has the resume of a potential No. 1 pick. Still, what Jack Hughes has done as an amateur is remarkable. It is hard to ignore GM Ray Shero’s connection to the family and the chance to pair Hughes with Nico Hischier as the team’s top two centers. Hughes has electric speed and skill, and as his body matures, he could develop into one of the premier players in the league. Kakko might be more ready for NHL success in 2019, but this pick is about the next seven-plus...