CB: When you look at who the Devils could take in that second overall spot, who is a name that pops out for you?
CP: There is a grouping right now at the top. You presume it'll be one of the Juraj Slafkovsky who played in Finland for TPS this season, Logan Cooley, the center with the U.S. National Team program, and there's a possibility that Shane Wright isn't the first pick, although I wouldn't say it's the likeliest scenario. I think the most odds on favor to the be second pick is Juraj Slafkovsky, who's just continued to impress as the season went on. 6'4 forward who can skate, and he has tremendous skill and scoring ability. Played really well versus men at certain times such as the World Championships where he's a top player for Slovakia, the Olympic tournament where has the MVP of the tournament, and played really well with the Slovakian U18 team in the summer at the Hlinka Gretzky tournament. Just a really talented, all-around player.
And whether it is Slafkovsky or Cooley or somebody else, New Jersey is going to get a really talented player at the second.
CB: What does Cooley bring that adds into this conversation of potentially being the second overall pick?
CP: He's arguably the most entertaining dynamic player to watch in this draft. He's 5'10, so he's not the biggest guy, but in terms of skating, skill, overall offensive creativity, he's right up there at the top of the class. And I'm sure Devils fans are thinking, well, he's a center, you know, we already have two centers we put really high in and Nico and Jack, but you can, you can take some of those guys, whether it's Nico, Jack, Dawson, Mercer, or maybe even Logan Cooley and push them to the wing and they would still be your highly effective. So I wouldn't rule him out just because there's a C next to his name.
CB: There's the opportunity for players to really stand out and come alive here at the Combine. So who are some names that you were really impressed by here in Buffalo?
CP: Not just me, but just talking to teams to no surprise, the Program kids are always well put together at these kind of things. Cutter Gauthier, Rutger McGroarty are two guys who I've heard in their interviews have done really well. And just talking to them, both have been really impressive individuals.
Another one in terms of someone who may not be from North America would be Lian Bichsel, the defenseman who plays Sweden has been a guy that has really impressed scouts in an interview. Is 6'6 defenseman who can skate and is physical, has a little offense, and is really well spoken and confident.
