As many of you who read this blog know by this time, I can not stand mock drafts. I have never been shy about that fact. That said the NHL Draft lottery has found the Detroit Red Wings slotted at #8 overall. Heading into his fourth season as Red Wings GM, Steve Yzerman has yet to draft first overall. That is okay, as he has built the Red Wings pipeline up and it is currently ranked #2. That is why picking #8 is not a big deal. So who could the Red Wings be looking at? Let’s take a closer look.
The 2022 NHL Draft does not have a ton of elite defensive talent to choose from. If a team needs a winger or center, this is a very good draft. After Dylan Larkin who is the teams top line center and Joe Veleno who took positive steps in his development and looks to be a third line center, the Red Wings have a need at that position.
Three players come to mind who I really believe can help Detroit sooner than later. The first is Danila Yurov, right wing (RW) Russia, A smooth skater with speed. Yurov has no trouble going end-to-end and is blessed with a great shot. He could compete for a roster spot in training camp if selected by Detroit.
Next is a player that would have to slide a bit for the Red Wings to nab and it is center, Matt Savoie. This is a highly skilled center and could very well find himself in Detroit and wind up on the second line. With outstanding stickhandling and puck control, excellent vision, great passer and elite goal scorer, Savoie would be my first choice, but I am not Steve Yzerman nor is there any way to tell if he would be there at #8.
My third choice for the Red Wings is a player that played through a shoulder injury and saw his production drop, but is still a great young player. Joakim Kemell, RW, his skating needs cleaned up that said, Kemell is a pure sniper, his one-timer is absolutely lethal and the best in the draft. Kemell is also a very skilled playmaker. If you need a player Kemell sort of resembles I’d say Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine is close.
Steve Yzerman is his own man. He has rebuilt the Red Wings future with excellent scouting and great draft picks. I believe this is the year he drafts for need and not best player at the draft slot. The Detroit Red Wings need more high end scoring and this is a draft that can go a long way in helping that deficit.
Drop a comment and let me have you choice for the Red Wings first round draft pick.
