Could Devils Select Mathew Barzal With Sixth Pick in NHL Draft?

Mathew Barzal (Kyle Scholzen/Seattle Thunderbirds)

There is a lot of speculation about what the New Jersey Devils will do with their number six overall pick in the 2015 NHL draft. Will they trade it for a player? Will they trade down in the draft? Or will they just sit at number six and pick there?

This article covers the latter scenario. If the Devils go ahead and pick a player at number six, who might it be? One possible answer to that question is Mathew Barzal. Barzal is an 18-year-old center who currently plays for the Seattle Thunderbirds. He’s not overly big at six feet and 177 pounds but he did put up more than a point per game this past season (57 points in 44 games). The year before that he had 54 in 59 games.

If Barzal gets picked by the Devils, and is able to maintain that sort of scoring ability, he would be a very welcome addition to the team.

According to JC Smith of SBNation.com: “Barzal is a smooth-skating playmaker who boasts superior playmaking ability. He plays a smart, disciplined game, specifically when controlling the puck. Possesses excellent hockey sense. Can run a power play and is highly effective at entering the zone with either speed or patience.”

A playmaker that can control the puck and can enter the zone well would fit nicely into new head coach John Hynes’ system. This is the type of player the Devils are sorely missing and would welcome with open arms if he reaches his potential.

The first round of the NHL draft is held on June 26.