When Devils general manager Ray Shero steps to the podium in Vancouver on Friday to make the first pick in the NHL draft, most expect him to select American Jack Hughes, the presumptive top choice. Kaapo Kakko, the Finnish winger who lit up the World Championships last month and who starred while playing in the top professional league in Finland, likely will be taken next by the Rangers, who hold the No. 2 pick.
But the Devils have been here before, just two years ago, when they had the first pick in the 2017 draft. And Shero surprised more than a few people then, when he chose Swiss center Nico Hischier instead of Nolan Patrick.