Red Wings Should Target a Defensemen With Pick #15 in 2024 NHL Draft

The Detroit Red Wings come into the offseason with the focus on retooling not rebuilding. After a successful 2023-24 season, the idea is for them to get stronger depth throughout the lineup and add players who can make a difference. That will be done through free agency but first is the 2024 NHL Draft, which could see them land a potential star defenseman. With prospects already at forward, the Red Wings should turn towards drafting defensemen. Will they take on at #15?

Red Wings taking chance on offensive defenseman?

Last season, Detroit was led offensively by Mortiz Seider and Shayne Gostisbehere. With Seider ready for a contract extension, the situation for Gostisbehere may be the opposite as he is now a free agent. With his status unknown, the Red Wings may look to fill that void long-term by drafting a defensemen capable of leading the power play unit on the second unit.

While the defensemen in this draft are capable of contributing in one way or another, there are few defensemen who had point per game averages last season. Detroit should focus on this due to the fact that Seider may be their best point producer if Gostisbehere does in fact leave and they do not have the same offensive producing defensemen in their pipeline. It is time to shift the focus to a defensemen who can provide offense on a regular basis. Here are a few defensemen who may be there at #15 that could make a difference in Detroit.

Carter Yakemchuk

Carter Yakemchuk is a 6-foot-3 and 202-pound defenseman who played last season with the Calgary HItmen of the Western Hockey League. He was a force on the blueline, especially on the power play. He scored 30 goals and added 41 assists for 71 points in 68 games. His 30 goals led the league for goals by a defensemen. This is who the Red WIngs need to play on the second power play unit behind Seider and they both have right-handed shots. He may be one of the few defensemen who could step into the NHL next season and make an impact.

Sam Dickinson

Sam Dickinson is a 6-foot-3 and 202-pound defensemen who played last season with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League. He posted 18 goals and 52 assists for 70 points in 68 games, leading the team in scoring for defensemen. Although not as offensively gifted as Yakemchuk, he would still be a fantastic pick by Detroit to help boost the blueleine offensive production and play along side Seider on the top power play unit. He is a well-rounded player who could play a regular shift on the top pairing or second pairing.

Spencer Gill

Spencer Gill is somewhat of an unknown but is still a solid defenseman with offensive production abilities. Last season for the Rimouski Oceanic of the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League, He produced 12 goals and 34 assists for 46 points in 65 games. The 6-foot-4 and 186-pound Gill would be a nice addition to the Red Wings and provide size and a 200-foot game.

The Detroit Red Wings need an offensive defenseman after the trade of Jake Walman to the San Jose Sharks today and they need to get one early in this draft for the future, There are not many blueliners who can dominate offensively and Detroit has an early shot to grab one at #15. This should be the main focus on night one because the organization lacks offensive defensemen and need additions with this skill set to strengthen that. If General Manager Steve Yzerman does not attack this draft with that in mind, there is always free agency.