The 2025 NHL Entry Draft is on Friday and Saturday. The Red Wings have some intriguing potential option available in the first round. Two of particular note are Carter Bear and Victor Eklund.
Draft and Beyond: Detroit’s Summer Begins
The summer is off to a rough start for Detroit. The team missed a huge opportunity in JJ Peterka. Fans are watching to see if Steve Yzerman will make a pick at 13, or trade for immediate help in his sixth year as Detroit’s General Manager.
There are plenty of deals to be made. Franchise altering defensemen have been made available. Strong complementary blue liners such as Nick Hague are also being shopped. There are multiple teams without top picks who may need to move salary.
The Decentralized Draft
This year there is a small twist in the draft format. The General Managers voted and the draft has been decentralized. It is expected that smaller contingents from each team will be on site but separated.
The impact of the change could be significant. Teams can’t discuss options at the table and make the phone calls last minute. There may have been far more calls ahead of the day itself to ascertain available options.
The intrigue for Detroit has been piqued. The team needs to make a big push to end a nine year playoff drought. Upgrades in the top six offensively and top four defensively are a must.
If Detroit keeps their Pick
A final review of 11 mock drafts showed that Carter Bear and Viktor Eklund are still a favorite amongst writers. Bear had five votes and Eklund came in with three. Both would be welcome additions to the pipeline. It may be a stretch to see either player still on the board at 13.
The five picks for Carter Bear came from NHL.com (Kimmelman), Daily Faceoff, Lines.com, Hockewriters , and Sam Cosantino (sportsnet). Viktor Eklund saw votes from Sportskeeda, NHL.com’s Morreale and the New York Times.
Defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson was a pick for Bob McKenzie. A strong left shot defenseman is certainly a solid choice for the Red Wings. With right shots Moritz Seider and Axel Sandin-Pellikka coming up, a left side addition is a must.
Lynden Lakovic had the vote of both the Bleacher Report and Tankathon. The 6’4” forward could add size and strength to the forward core. That seems to be a desired addition for many teams this offseason.
Final Thoughts
For the first time in Steve Yzerman’s tenure, a trade seems to be the most pertinent option at the draft. As much as Detroit needs talent in the pipeline, they need answers now. The rebuild is at a crucial juncture.
Whether or not the 13th pick is moved, something needs to happen this weekend. The acquisition of Nick Hague, the movement of second or third round picks. Something to signal that the team will see an infusion of NHL talent.
To Yzerman’s credit, he will function as planned. Very little, if any, outside noise seems to affect his decision making. Whatever the office has in mind, it will be made clear this weekend. With free agency close behind, it’s time to see if summer number six is an ending or another chapter in the Yzerplan.
