Red Wings’ first round picks improved under Yzerman
The Detroit Red Wings need additional scoring throughout the lineup. The heart of that ability seems to be with internal prospects who could potentially make the club. It may well be another first round pick like Nate Danielson that provides the needed boost.
Under Ken Holland, the Red Wings seemed to find stronger drafting outside of the first round. Even as the team tried to improve on their initial picks, the success rate was very low. Only three of Holland’s first round picks remain with the club. Only Dylan Larkin has lived up to (and exceeded) the team’s expectations.
4 first round picks are slated to start in the AHL
Nate Danielson is very close to NHL ready, but at this point will be the number one center for the Grand Rapids Griffins. Sebastian Cossa will be the number one goalie for the Griffins this season. 2024 first round pick Michael Brandsegg-Nygard will play his first full season in North America. Add highly touted defensive prospect Axel Sandin-Pellikka and the Griffins are benefitting greatly from much improved first round drafting.
These players will all be available for call ups, and should each see some time in a Red Wings jersey this year. To Steve Yzerman’s credit, the first round selections have been the highlight of the Yzerplan to date. Fans in Grand Rapids may be able to watch four of those first round picks take the ice this season.
Red Wings top draftees are taking top spots
The Red Wings have seven total first round picks on the roster this year. Captain Dylan Larkin stands as the only player left from opening night in 2019. Rasmussen and Berggren have secured depth roles on the squad. Only three first round picks from Holland remain with the organization, and several disappointing selections have come and gone.
Moritz Seider is clearly the team’s top defenseman, and Simon Edvinsson may already be second on the list. Lucas Raymond is the team’s best 200 ft winger. Marco Kasper is already a top six centerman. Not only have Yzerman’s top picks made it on the team, they’re taking it over.
There are legitimate criticisms of the “Yzerplan”, but the first round has proven to be a clear strength. The team has used those picks to lead the charge of the rebuild. If another one of those players can break out this season, the team will be that much closer to the elusive post season appearance.
Hello from France,
I agree with you on the 1st round picks being very interesting players to be or to come. I only hope Larkin will be there and strong enough to see the new ready-to-go-to playoff Detroit team (maybe in two or three years ?), I feel a bit sorry for him and all his efforts. But I trust Yzerman, though it’s getting long. The team will be there and competitive for some years.
Danielson (probably ASP too but not strong enough ?) could go, he seems clever enough to understand the game and the efforts he has to do, (sorry but I’m not that sure about MBN’s capacity to think the game and all the little things to get really better and adapt, I hope I’m wrong) but if it’s to play a few minutes in the nhl per game, yes, indeed, stay in the AHL for longer minutes and wait for the call.
By the way, did you see these rumors talking about Mc David going to Detroit ? I don’t know what you think but for me those sites are really a waste of time (and there are a lot !) and when you are looking for interesting (and real) news (waiting for games, you cannot do a lot more…), it is difficult.
And I never came to a NHL game, and I wondered : can you really see the game when you are at the top of the rink or are they too small ? When I used to watch hockey in France, it was to stay just behind the goalie (behind the glass…) and I would love to see the strategy coming to you. That was (not so fast as NHL of course but) really close !
For football here, a very popular sport (not for me, I went only once but I really don’t like the mindset they are tought from childhood to adults), the tickets on the best teams are from 49-70 euros but you can really see the game. Really expensive to be a fan !
Have a nice prospect game !