As the NHL Draft day approached, the New Jersey Devils focused on selecting players who fit their specific criteria. The team’s Chief Scout, Mark Dennehy, emphasized that while they look for the “best player available,” they also seek those who embody the qualities of a “New Jersey Devil.” This involves having hockey sense, competitiveness, and the ability to play fast.
Dennehy cited examples of current Devils players like Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt as benchmarks for this style. He stated, “You need hockey sense and you need to compete…there needs to be a skillset and also the ability to play fast.”
Executive Vice President Martin Brodeur also influenced the draft strategy with his advice on perseverance in hockey. Dennehy recounted Brodeur’s message: “Are you a hockey player and how willing are you to fight through whatever you need to fight through to be a player?”
The Devils’ first selection was Conrad Fondrk from the United States Development Program. Despite injuries limiting his appearances, Dennehy described Fondrk as “a first round talent” with potential upside due to his skills.
In addition, Ben Kevan was picked from Des Moines Buccaneers in the USHL. Dennehy praised Kevan’s commitment during a challenging season and noted his leadership qualities. “We’re just really thrilled,” he said about Kevan’s selection.
The Devils made seven selections overall: five forwards (including three centermen), one goalie, and one defenseman. General Manager Tom Fitzgerald appreciated the scouting staff’s dedication in identifying players who align with the team’s ethos.
Dennehy acknowledged the hard work of his scouts in preparing for this draft year-round across various locations. He stated, “I really want to give a lot of credit to our scouts…I just felt like we were really prepared.”
Reflecting on their selections, Dennehy expressed satisfaction with their choices while acknowledging it is part of an ongoing process. “We got some sneaky picks; we really took some swings,” he concluded.
