New Jersey Devils Top-10 prospects under 24

Headlines have been focused the New Jersey Devils rivals across the river, this summer. Meanwhile, General Manager Ray Shero is putting together a team built for long term success.

The New Jersey Devils have some very talented players coming up through their system. Some have even arrived on the scene. Every player on the Top-10, under 24 list either is now or has the ability to become a solid NHL player. There aren’t any gaping positional holes to fill as there are quality talents across the board. Additionally, there were a few players that just missed the age cutoff who are rising contributors.

There is a good mix of offense, two-way hockey, smarts, and goaltending on this list. It helps that the team has some of the NHL’s marquee prospects. Three members of the New Jersey Devils organization made the Sporting News top-50 Prospects, while the Athletic had two on their list. The Devils are building a long-term winner.

The 24’s

These three players just missed the cutoff, because this is a list of players under 24. Nevertheless, these guys are up and comers and deserve some mention.

Miles Wood, Left Wing – It’s hard to believe Miles Wood has already played in 200 NHL games. He’s one of those sneaky players who do lots of little things game in and game out, then BAM he makes a big play at an important time. While the Buffalo native may never put up big numbers at the NHL level, he provides something all good teams need, secondary scoring. Wood will be in the league for a long time as a mid-to-bottom six player.

Mirco Mueller, Defenseman – The former 2013 first-round pick by San Jose (18th overall) was acquired in a trade by Shero at the 2017 draft. Like many big defensemen from Europe, he’s been slow to pick up the intricacies of the NHL game thus far. He skates well and at times shows good abilities handling the puck. Mueller would be better served by applying his 6-3, 210 pound frame on the back end to clear the crease.

Will Butcher, Defenseman – After winning the Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA’s top player of 2015, Will Butcher declined to sign with Colorado, the team who drafted him, instead electing to become a free agent. The New Jersey Devils won the ensuing bidding war and he has been with the team ever since.

The former Denver University standout is undersized for an NHL defenseman at 5-10, 190 pounds, but more than makes up for it in other areas. He has the kind of good footwork and stickhandling ability that make him a natural leading the rush. With PK Subban now on the team, he has someone to ease the burden of running the power play.