Meet the Devils’ 2026 NHL Draft Class

Command excels at the game, competing with an intense consistency and with skills that are far beyond his age. He is an energetic player and is not afraid to make plays. He will be a great depth player to add to the Devils’ bottom six; we’ll see if he makes the Devils’ starting lineup or if he starts in the lower-level leagues. 

Second Round, 37th Overall – Winger Matias Vanhanen

The Devils were initially slated to draft another player in the 35th overall slot, but they elected to trade this pick to the Chicago Blackhawks. In exchange, they received the 37th overall pick and the 119th overall pick. New Jersey moved just two slots down and managed to get another selection with the trade. 

The first part of the trade, the Devils selected Matias Vanhanen with the 37th overall pick. He was glossed over in the 2025 NHL Draft, but this time, the Devils took notice of his skills. 

After spending the entirety of his time in Finland, Vanhanen moved to the United States to apply his skills there. He played the 2025-26 season with the Everett Silvertips in the Western Hockey League (WHL). He recorded 87 points in 62 regular-season games and 24 points in 12 postseason games, helping the Silvertips win the Ed Chynoweth Cup for the first time in their franchise history. 

Vanhanen made the right move, heading to the U.S. to further this hockey skill. This move really helped jump-start his career into the NHL. Now, he can make his NHL dreams a reality as he begins playing within the Devils’ franchise. 

Second Round, 44th Overall – Defenseman Nikita Shcherbakov

With their other second-round pick, the Devils picked up their first and only defenseman of the draft: Nikita Shcherbakov. He played in three different leagues this season, the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), the Supreme Hockey League (VHL), and the Junior Hockey League (MHL). Shcherbakov played seven games in the KHL, 35 games in the VHL and recorded 10 points and 15 points in the MHL.

Shcherbakov is not afraid to use his size to get his team control of the puck. When he is in control of the puck, he is not afraid to get into the action and make a play. Defense is the Russian’s greatest skill since that is the position he plays, but he will be a great playmaker for the Devils as well. 

Fourth Round, 119th Overall – Center Lavr Gashilov

With the other pick from the Devils’ trade with Chicago, they selected center Lavr Gashilov. He played for Avto Yekaterinburg in the MHL, playing in 51 games and recording 69 points. He was also an alternate captain for the team, proving his leadership strengths on and off the ice. 

Just like Command, Gashilov will be a valuable center for the Devils. Since he wasn’t a first-round pick, it is likely that Gashilov will train up, either in Russia or in the ECHL or American Hockey League (AHL) with the Devils’ affiliates first. Right now, Gashilov is great at creating high-danger chances for his teammates. If he can continue to hone in on these skills, he will be a valuable asset to the Devils. 

Fifth Round, 149th Overall – Goaltender Daniil Rusakovich

With their fifth-round pick, the Devils selected their first goaltender of the 2026 Draft, Daniil Rusakovich. The third-straight Russian-born player, he played for Dinamo-Shinnik Bobruysk in the 2025-26 season. He was the netminder for 20 games and had an overall save percentage (SV%) of .913 and a goals-against average (GAA) of 1.94. 

Rusakovich is already putting up an impressive performance, but he is still in the junior league. As he continues to improve, he’ll be a great goaltender for the Devils when he is ready. 

Sixth Round, 172nd Overall – Center Luke Wilfley

The Devils used their sixth-round pick to select center Luke Wilfley, their first American-born player of the draft. He played with the Portland Winterhawks for the last two seasons in the WHL. In the 2025-26 season, he played 66 games and recorded 15 points. 

While his offensive performance isn’t the greatest highlight, he is a great forechecker. He constantly forces turnovers to make sure that his team is in possession of the puck. This is a great skill for any hockey player to have, and it will be a benefit for the Devils organization to have Wilfley as a part of their team. 

Seventh Round, 222nd Overall – Forward Quinn McKenzie

It might not be the Quinn that most Devils fans were looking for, but Quinn Mackenzie was a great last pick for the Devils. He spent this season playing in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for the Soo Greyhounds, playing 65 games and recording 51 points. 

Another center to train up, McKenzie will be spending next season playing his first year in college at Penn State University. For those Devils fans who also watch collegiate hockey, make sure to watch Penn State games to see how this Devils prospect progresses. 

Devils Setting Up a Strong Future

The Devils had a forward-heavy draft, using five of their seven picks to select forwards. They also drafted one defenseman and one goalie. The Devils selected some strong players, who will be great additions to the team when they are ready.