The Detroit Red Wings have had no luck at the NHL Draft. Every season, they drop spots or drop out of the top ten. This season, Detroit will draft in the 13th spot, a spot lower than previously thought.
With talent from every position available, what will the Red Wings do? Do they trade the pick? Which position is lacking more than others?
The goaltending is a position of strength throughout the organization. With Sebastian Cossa, Carter Gylander, and Trey Augustine in the pipeline, this is the only position that does not need an upgrade. However, the forward and defensive positions may need fine-tuning. The forward position needs to be addressed, considering the lack of depth at the forward positions. Here are three prospects that the Red Wings may want to take a look at with pick 13.
Cole Reschny
Cole Reschny is a 5-foot-10 and 183-pound center who is a natural playmaker and one of the better 200-foot players in the draft. The 18-year-old is dependable and his linemates feed off of his offensive creativity. Playing for the Victoria Royals of the Western Hockey League, he posted 26 goals and 66 assists for 92 points in 62 games. He also had 44 penalty minutes and was a +42.
Justin Carbonneau
Justin Carbonneau is a 6-foot-1 and 191-pound right winger who played last season for Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey league. He is a shoot-first player who can also win battles along the wall. His skill set is turning the defenseman inside out when on the rush and creating in the offensive zone. He comes with a complete game and also plays whistle to whistle. While playing for the Armada, he posted 46 goals and 43 assists for 89 points in 62 games. He also had 61 penalty minutes and was a +3.
Victor Eklund
Left winger Victor Eklund is an NHL prospect who played for Djurgarden last season and is primed for a top-10 selection. The 5-foot-11 and 161-pound Eklund is the younger brother of William Eklund, forward for the San Jose Sharks so he has offensive flair in his blood. He is a player who gets body positioning and is small but has hockey smarts and a big skill set. The opposition has a hard time keeping an eye on him because he is always moving and quick on his skates. A good potential middle-six player. Last season, he recorded 19 goals and 12 assists for 31 points in 42 games. He also had 37 penalty minutes and was a +16.
Detroit has a chance to make a good move and pick up one of these young superstars. However, there may be other teams who may take the opportunity to see their potential also. Does Detroit trade up to secure one of them? Or do they take their chance and hope one of them is remaining when pick No. 13 rolls around?