On The Clock: Devils Enter Draft With 11 Picks 2018-07-27 When New Jersey Devils Rookie General Manager Cole Bates took over in late may the team already had 6 2018 draft picks in their posesssion. Today, on the eve of the 2018 EHE Entry Draft, The New Jersey Devils GM continues his heavy preparation for July 28th. Only now, he has a total of 11 selections to work with (provided non are traded at the draft). The new boss in town put a big emphasis on drafting and development in his introductory press conference. Bates then followed that up with a sincere letter to New Jersey Devils faithful citing major change on the horizon, before trading several players out of town. Bates, a scout by trade, has high expectations in his forecast for this years 2018 crop. "To be honest, I think there are too many players we are going to want." Bates said with a laugh, after being asked about his thoughts on this years draft class. That prognosis, is the basis that lead the New Jersey to accrue 5 more selections ahead of Saturdays big day. The Devils have been notably aggressive in their efforts to reshape the Franchise since Bates took the helm. Trades involving proven NHL players in favor of draft picks and prospects have been the memo up to this point. "I know it's cliché, and maybe not what the media wants to hear, but it's a process." Bates elaborated, "These are the first steps; I have said before, that based on where we were from a standpoint of organizational depth we needed to build from the ground up, in order to get where we want." While the Draft is certainly the best way to do so, it is always a wait-and-see scenario when evaluating a teams Draft performance. Bates seems to think the wait will be well worth reward. "Law of averages will tell you otherwise, but I believe we can, and we will get 11 future NHL players out of this draft." Those are lofty, and maybe even arrogant comments from a first-year GM. For now, Devils fans can at least have some reassurance in knowing the team's new GM is making the effort of setting the highest of standards within the organization. Now, only time will tell if the Devils can execute in what is sure to be a crucial draft for the future of the Franchise. New Jersey, You're on the clock.
