In this case I chose the club's radio play-by-play broadcaster - also known as the Matt in Matt and the Maven - Matt Loughlin.
And since I've been publishing hockey's Fischler Report for three decades, I asked TFR's long-time analyst, Gus Vic, to add his special insights into the challenge.
Finally, for an objective view from north of the 49th parallel, I chose longtime Canadian hockey analyst and author Rob Del Mundo of Toronto.
Okay, here we go:
Matt Loughlin: "The Devils needs are clear; the club has to upgrade its defense. In addition, the brass will have to fill in spots on the wing and find a goalie to share the workload with Mackenzie Blackwood.
"Unfortunately, none of those short-term needs will be filled in the draft. By all indications, this is a good draft from a 'Top 10 standpoint; but not one in which players are expected to make the NHL right out of the jump.
"As a result, under the 'Draft and Develop' philosophy that general manager Tom Fitzgerald as espoused, and with defensemen considered to be the higher-rated prospects in this draft, I say that Fitzy goes with a defenseman.
"The question is, which family member gets chosen? Will it be Luke Hughes? Will it be Brandt Clarke. Each has qualities that are endearing. I'm leaning toward what (Canadian expert hockey analyst) Craig Button had to say when he was a guest on our podcast.
"Hughes is a left-shot defenseman. Clarke is a right-shot defenseman. The Devils have a number of left-shot prospects in the system, but not from the right side. Button is guessing, therefore, that the Devils will go with Clarke and that thinking works for me."
Gus Vic: "A clear identity heading into the new season is going to be the biggest challenge for Tom Fitzgerald. The team has two first-round picks and the 28th courtesy of the NY Islanders. Couple this with cap space estimated to be over $37.6 million and there is the ability to quickly rebuild a foundation if Fitz can get some pieces to fit and Lindy Ruff can get those pieces to execute.
"The projected top end of the first round has supposed top prospect Owen Power of Michigan rated as low as sixth in some publications. However, his impressive performance for the gold-winning Canadians at the World Championship, his chances of falling into the four (Devils) hold is highly unlikely.
"Big (6-foot-4) Swedish defenseman Simon Edvinsson is a top European prospect. Others to keep in mind are Luke Hughes who exhibits smoothness and awareness with the puck and would be a perfect player to help the Devils exit their zone with more proficiency and fluidity. Edvinsson has similar qualities in terms of skating, hands and moving the puck but lacks a high-end shot. Obviously both players would have plenty to learn on the defensive part of the game, yet both also can be seen as future top backliners.
"If one believes in building outward, I like one of those two players as the Devils first selection. From a public relations perspective, Hughes is the more attractive of the two. And given his bloodlines, this should not be a difficult choice for New Jersey.
"The Devils have some blossoming talent up front and now is the time to invest further on defense. Ty Smith was a good start in 2018 and I submit that they should keep it going with Hughes."
Rob De Mundo, Canadian hockey book author and analyst: "The Devils must upgrade their defense. With that in mind, Tom Fitzgerald must decide from among Brandt Clarke, Luke Hughes or Simon Edvinsson.
"Historically, the Devils have drafted well since relocating from Colorado in 1982. Look no further than the five players who've been part of all three Cup teams: Ken Daneyko, Martin Brodeur, Scott Niedermayer, Sergei Brylin and Scott Stevens, who came to New Jersey as compensation in the Brendan Shanahan deal.
"Overall, the Devils have had a rich draft history. I predict that the next chapter will be written - with help - by Luke Hughes!'
