As with anything in life, time marches on and so does the world of sports.
Despite the lack of any live sports occurring in North America and most of the world for that matter, the NHL is moving forward with plans to hold the 2020 Draft.
This year’s draft will be much different in the past and more than likely follow the model set last month by the NFL in the fact that this year’s event will more than likely be held virtually.
Coaches, management staff, and players will all be connected remotely using video technology to enforce social distancing in an attempt to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.
For the New Jersey Devils, there is a silver lining to the dark cloud surrounding the current hockey season.
The Devils have three first-round draft picks and these selections will no doubt help in the rebuilding process going on in Newark.
Marco Rossi
The Devils look to select Marco Rossi as their first draft pick and he widely regarded as a strong choice to help the Devils down the road offensively. Rossi is a 5’9.5″, 182 lb. Austrian youngster who has made a name for himself in the OHL. During his rookie campaign in 2018-19 with the Ottawa 67’ers, Rossi posted a 65 point season and this year’s season ended early with a specter of unfinished business for many players.
Despite his size, Rossi is regarded as a tough, physical center and a solid playmaker which will make him a valuable asset as he moves through the hockey ranks up to the AHL and then NHL levels.
Rossi is the type of young player who is set to make an impact in the near future and in the coming years could become a household name to Devils fans.
Jake Sanderson
The Devils are focusing on defensemen in their next first-round draft picks. Jake Sanderson is young (only 17) but has made an impact on the U.S. U-18 National Development Team already. Sanderson is lanky for his 6’2″, 186 lb. frame but in time will no doubt mature physically and add muscle weight to his body to become a dominant blueliner.
Sanderson is already starting out his hockey career on the right track and has committed to play collegiate hockey with the storied University of North Dakota program this fall.
Ryan O’Rourke
The Devils final predicted pick in the first round is Ryan O’Rourke. O’Rourke is a young Canadian (he’ll turn 18 this month) who has been making his way through the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
O’Rourke is another lanky defenseman who at 6’2″ and 181 lbs. will need to bulk up muscle wise in order to handle the rigors of the NHL.
As a plus, O’Rourke is widely regarded as having fast feet on the ice and has great movement which will make him another valuable defensive asset to the Devils organization in the future.
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