Should Hughes go first tonight as expected, Devils fans will be able to preorder his jersey at the team storeGETTY IMAGES
The Devils have the first pick in the NHL Draft for the second time in three years, but the team anticipates a far bigger crowd at its Draft party Friday night outside Prudential Center than was there in ’17. More than 4,500 fans galvanized by the expected selection of U.S. C Jack Hughes are anticipated at the event. That would be three times the size of the crowd that showed up two years ago when the Devils used the No. 1 pick on C Nico Hischier. HBSE CRO Jake Reynolds, whose company owns the Devils, is excited about the unique activations in the works from team partners, especially from Draft party presenting sponsor Bud Light. Fans will experience custom build-a-bars and can even expect an appearance by the Bud Knight character. Prudential also is getting in the mix, rolling out an AR camera filter that will give fans the appearance of being on stage at the Draft.
THAT'S THE TICKET: The Devils know how much a top pick can impact ticket sales. After Hischier’s selection, the team saw a nearly 30% increase the next season. Expecting similar growth, the Devils hired about 40 new ticket employees after winning April’s Draft lottery. To drive sales after the pick is announced, special incentives like an autograph from the top choice will be offered to fans buying new packages. The team store will also be open, taking preorders of the player’s jersey. The pick then is set to be in attendance for a meet-and-greet with season-ticket members on Tuesday. Reynolds said there will be an “onslaught of excitement” coming in the form of marketing and a media tour to promote whoever is taken No. 1 to fans.
