Who are the best sixth-round drafted players in New Jersey Devils history?
The New Jersey Devils have selected 462 players to date at the annual NHL Entry Draft, which began in 1963. The Hockey News will continue its series on the franchise’s top five picks from each round leading up to the 2024 event on Friday, June 28.
Historically, the Devils have drafted 53 players in the sixth round, 16 of whom have appeared in an NHL game and 13 of whom have played for Kansas City, Colorado (Rockies), and New Jersey.
The organization's first sixth-round pick was John Shewchuk (92nd overall) in the 1974 NHL Amateur Draft, and their most recent one was Cole Brown (164th overall) in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
Join us to see who makes the cut as the best-drafted player in Devils' history.
Note: Dates, achievements, and statistics obtained from Hockey-Reference.com and EliteProspects.com.
Top New Jersey Devils Draft Picks From the Sixth Round
5. Kirk McLean – 107th Overall 1984
NHL stats: 612 GP / 245-262-72 / .887 SV% - 3.26
New Jersey stats: 6 GP / 2-2-0 / .840 SV% - 4.66
Kirk McLean is fondly remembered as one of the best goalies in the history of the Vancouver Canucks, leading the franchise to the Stanley Cup Final in 1994.
However, he was initially drafted by New Jersey in the sixth round (107th overall) of the 1984 NHL Entry Draft and suited up for six games before being traded in September 1987.
The one-time All-Star also dressed with Florida, New York (Rangers), and Carolina, playing 16 seasons in the league.
4. Deryk Engelland – 194th Overall 2000
NHL stats: 671 GP – 30 G – 97 A – 127 Pts
New Jersey stats: Did not play
Deryk Engelland was drafted by New Jersey in 2000 but did not make his NHL debut until 27 in 2009-10. He skated in the ECHL and AHL for several seasons, winning a Calder Cup in 2006.
During his 11 seasons in the NHL, Engelland played with Pittsburgh, Calgary, and Vegas, serving as one of the original "Misfits" who went to the 2018 Stanley Cup Final.
He won the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2017-18, setting a career-high in goals (five) and points (18).
3. Aaron Broten – 106th Overall 1980
NHL stats: 748 GP – 186 G – 329 A – 515 Pts
New Jersey stats: 641 GP – 162 G – 307 A – 469 Pts
Aaron Broten debuted the same season as his brother and Olympic Gold Medals Neal Broten did, in 1980-81. He began his career with the Rockies and transferred to New Jersey in 1982.
He played 10 seasons with the organization, netting 162 goals and 469 points, the most by any play drafted in the sixth round in team history.
While skating at the University of Minnesota (1979-1981), Broten won Rookie of the Year and a NCAA (WCHA) championship, earning induction into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2008.
2. Jesper Bratt – 162nd Overall 2016
NHL stats: 471 GP – 129 G – 230 A – 359 Pts
New Jersey stats: 471 GP – 129 G – 230 A – 359 Pts
Jesper Bratt is on pace to become one of the best sixth-round draft picks in the Devil's history and possibly in the NHL.
The Swedish winger is now a three-time 20-goal scorer who routinely scores over 76 points yearly.
After earning one of the richest contracts in New Jersey, he's continued to prove that he's worth the money and is a core member of a future Stanley Cup contender.
1. Bruce Driver – 108th Overall 1981
NHL stats: 922 GP – 96 G – 390 A – 486 Pts
New Jersey stats: 702 GP – 83 G – 316 A – 399 Pts
Bruce Driver is the most decorated player ever drafted by the Devils organization in the sixth round. Before debuting in the NHL in 1983-84, he was a two-time NCAA National Champion at the University of Wisconsin.
Additionally, he helped the Maine Mariners win the AHL Calder Cup championship in 1984. Driver completed his title trifecta by winning the Stanley Cup with New Jersey in 1995.
After winning a title in East Rutherford, Driver moved across the Hudson and skated on Broadway for three seasons, retiring in 1998 as a member of the Rangers.