Detroit Red Wings: Top 3 players to draft with the fourth overall pick
The Detroit Red Wings might not have gotten a top-three pick, but they’ll have some options with the fourth pick.
Detroit Red Wings fans entered the 2020 NHL Draft lottery with hope. After having the worst season of the salary cap era, surely the hockey gods would smile upon them, right? They’d at least get a top three pick, right? Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case, as the Red Wings fell to the fourth overall pick.
This is extremely unfortunate for the Red Wings because they had to endure a pitiful season. Also, this is the fourth straight season Detroit has fallen at least one spot in the NHL draft lottery. Alexis Lafreniere would have looked handsome in a Red Wings sweater and would have given them a much-needed boost on offense.
But there’s no use crying over spilled milk. Whining about it won’t change anything. The Red Wings must move forward. Luckily for them, the 2020 NHL Draft is one of the deepest in recent memory. There’s going to be a top-notch prospect available when the Red Wings select. So who are their options with the fourth overall pick? Let’s take a look.
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Honorable Mentions
There’s a zero percent chance Lafreniere will be available when the Red Wings have their pick. He’s going first overall. Even if a team thinks Quinton Byfield is better, the Los Angeles Kings would just scoop up Lafreniere with the second overall pick. But if he’s available when the Red Wings select their first-round pick, they should sprint up to the podium.
Byfield’s another guy who probably won’t be there. Most of the major rankings have him second overall. However, ISS Hockey has him ranked fourth overall and Bob McKenzie’s rankings (which are usually the most accurate of the major rankings) have him ranked third overall. Hockey Prospect and McKeen’s Hockey have him ranked third overall too. It’s not likely Byfield will be available when the Red Wings pick, but it’s undeniably plausible.
Lucas Raymond is a name Red Wings fans will hear a lot in the next few months. He didn’t have a very strong draft season, but his skill is outstanding. I personally have him in the 6 to 10 range, but then again, I’m not Steve Yzerman.