Building for the Future: Director of Amateur Scouting Paul Castron

On July 31, 2015, Devils General Manager Ray Shero named Paul Castron the Director of Amateur Scouting for his club, bringing in a fresh voice to help actively build a pool of young players. Castron, joined the Devils after spending the previous 16 seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he proved his ability to evaluate talent. Built from Castron's handiwork, the 2016-17 Blue Jackets finished the season with 108 points and clinched a playoff berth. Twelve members of the Jackets were selected by Paul Castron during his time in Columbus, which is highlighted by 2017 NHL All-Star Cam Atkinson and 2017 Calder Trophy Finalist Zach Werenski.

Paul Castron's impact on the Devils prospect pool gives a very optimistic outlook looking forward at the 2017 NHL Draft. Last off-season, Castron drafted Mikey McLeod and Nathan Bastian, who are currently leading the Mississauga Steelheads to the OHL Finals. The team selected Minnesota-Duluth forward Joey Anderson in the third round of the 2016 NHL Draft with the 73rd overall pick. Since that time, Anderson led the Bulldogs to the NCAA Finals and won the World Junior Championship as a member of Team USA.
Winning the NHL Draft Lottery has given the Devils a unique opportunity of selecting either Nolan Patrick or Nico Hischier with the first overall pick this year. Paul Castron will be looking for the most skilled players available and who will be impact players over the next three-to-four season. "You have to try and get as much skill as you can because it takes a lot of skill to play in this league. We stress that in our drafting."