Spelling Out Red Wings’ Options After NHL Draft Lottery

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The worst team in the league will be receiving the No. 1 pick in the NHL Draft, marking only the third occurrence since 2010.

It appears that the league’s attempts to limit the number of teams vying for the highly sought-after spot have proven successful. Only one team, the expansion Seattle Kraken, managed to secure a top-two position, despite initially having the third-best odds. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres maintained their position at number one, granting them their second valuable pick in just four years.

Did we gain any clarity regarding the players those teams might select? Not really. However, there is an inherent predictability when it comes to bad teams with high draft picks. Hence, let’s explore a few distinct possibilities for the potential players that could be accessible for the Detroit Red Wings at the sixth spot.

Before we dive in, it’s important to establish some context regarding the Detroit Red Wings’ prospects and the general perception surrounding the talent in this year’s draft class.

Before we begin …

In recent years, the Red Wings have successfully transformed their defense prospect pipeline into a formidable asset. The team is eagerly anticipating the arrival of two talented Swedish wingers, Lucas Raymond (No. 4 pick in the 2020 draft) and Jonatan Berggren (second-round selection in 2018). Notably, Berggren showcased an impressive performance in the Swedish Hockey League this season, averaging a point per game.

In a perfect world, the Red Wings would be fortunate enough to acquire a top-notch No. 1 center through the draft in their next two attempts. However, the challenge lies in the fact that this particular draft class is widely recognized as one of the weakest in recent years. The upcoming drafts, on the other hand, are brimming with exceptional talent, particularly at the center position. Consequently, the likelihood of fulfilling this requirement in the current draft is not very high. Nonetheless, it should be noted that Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman does not necessarily prioritize drafting based solely on immediate needs.

In conclusion, it is important to approach the projected strength of the draft class with caution. A prime example is the 2017 class, which received significant criticism but produced exceptional talents such as 22-year-old Cale Makar, who has a promising chance to win the Norris Trophy, and Elias Pettersson, who achieved a point-per-game performance during his age-20 NHL season, despite being selected at No. 4 and No. 5 respectively.

Michigan prospects lead the way

In the majority of mock drafts, it is commonly predicted that Owen Power and Matt Beniers, both hailing from Michigan, will be selected as the top two picks, in no particular order. Although it is highly improbable for either of them to be available for the Detroit Red Wings at the sixth position, if by chance they were, it is highly likely that they would become part of the Red Wings’ team.

Power, a defenseman standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 214 pounds, is a highly versatile prospect. However, some worry that his lack of standout skills may limit his potential. On the other hand, Beniers showcases a well-rounded game similar to Patrice Bergeron, making him the most prepared prospect for the NHL. His impressive performance at the World Juniors, where he helped Team USA secure the Gold, and his inclusion in the American men’s World Championship team after a stellar season at Michigan with 24 points in 24 games, further solidify his readiness for the professional league.

What the chalk says …

Bob McKenzie, a respected NHL reporter with a proven track record, consistently provides accurate draft rankings. His rankings hold a similar weight as those conducted by NHL scouts, and Power has consistently held the top spot on McKenzie’s lists. Following Power are Dylan Guenther, a talented winger from the Western Hockey League in Canada, Simon Edvinsson, a skilled defenseman from the SHL, and Beniers and Luke Hughes, both talented defensemen from the United States Development Program (USDP).

If the draft unfolds as predicted, the Red Wings will have only one choice left to secure a top-tier defenseman. They can opt for the skilled and agile Canadian player, Brandt Clarke, who stands at 6-foot-2. With his advanced defensive abilities, he may very well become the standout defenseman in his own right, surpassing his fellow prospects in terms of maturity in the defensive game.

In terms of the forward position, there are numerous options available, and the remaining choices in this situation are quite appealing. William Eklund, a versatile Swedish center/winger, showcases exceptional skills on both offense and defense, providing the Red Wings with a potential solution for their current gap.

Mason McTavish, a Canadian center, perfectly fits the bill as well. With his exceptional release and clever playmaking skills, he excels as a physical two-way center. At sixth, McTavish could potentially be the most NHL-ready player in the draft.

Additionally, we have the dynamic forward duo of Fabian Lysell and Kent Johnson. Lysell may be on the shorter side, standing at 5-foot-10, but he compensates with an exceptional defensive performance that complements his remarkable offensive skills and lightning-fast speed. On the other hand, Johnson, who also hails from Michigan, might require some additional development time due to initial turnover challenges. Nevertheless, he possesses an incredible ability to create opportunities and is anticipated to have an outstanding second year.

Chaz Lucius and Cole Sillinger, American centers, are typically ranked in the early teens on most draft boards. However, it’s worth noting that Yzerman has previously selected a player projected in the teens with the sixth-overall pick. Both Lucius and Sillinger possess impressive finishing skills, although there are some concerns about their skating abilities. Nevertheless, they remain viable options for the Red Wings to consider in the upcoming draft.

… But if the chalk’s wrong?

Alright, let’s consider a scenario where McKenzie’s assessment is incorrect. While we’ve discussed Beniers and Power, what about the remaining prospects? It’s plausible that the Red Wings may have the opportunity to acquire Guenther, Edvinsson, and Hughes as well.

Choosing Guenther would be a great way to enhance the winger pipeline with his exceptional finishing ability as a right-handed shooter. Additionally, Edvinsson, a 6-foot-5, 207-pound defenseman, possesses a unique combination of size and skating skills that make him a formidable opponent. Both players offer great potential, making them valuable choices in the draft.

When it comes to potential, it’s worth mentioning that the Wings have seen success in passing on a Hughes brother in the draft at No. 6 before. Quinn Hughes, who was selected later, proved himself as a top contender for rookie of the year. Similarly, Luke Hughes possesses impressive offensive skills that could lead to similar feelings of regret. Although his defensive game requires some improvement, at just 17 years old, Hughes has no trouble taking charge of an in-zone attack. His exceptional skating ability is particularly devastating in transition.

Jesper Wallstedt: Probably not to Detroit?

At the end of his draft-lottery press conference on Wednesday night, Yzerman hinted that the Red Wings had players from various positions in their top 10 draft choices. However, he quickly rectified his statement.

“Well, perhaps excluding the goaltender position.”

The fan club of Swedish goaltender Jesper Wallstedt suffered a major setback, which may have been a deliberate misdirection by Stevie-Y. In recent years, goalies have been gradually gaining recognition as potential top 10 draft picks, and the impressive performance of Spencer Knight, a first-round pick from Florida in 2019, during this year’s playoffs has further intensified this possibility.

Wallstedt surpasses Knight and the 11th-overall pick of 2020, Yaroslav Askarov, in rankings. Despite a prevailing tendency against goalies, Wallstedt is ranked No. 4 by Dobber Prospects and No. 6 by Elite Prospects. There is a legitimate argument that Wallstedt has the potential to become the top goaltender in the league, and the Red Wings’ goaltending pipeline is lacking in strength. Choosing Wallstedt would be an entertaining option, at the very least.

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