Alex wrote today about how the Detroit Red Wings need to avoid defense at #6. Though I see value in the argument, the Red Wings should still have a “best player available” philosophy regardless of their position on the ice.
Not one fan will question the notion that Detroit could use a talent infusion nearly everywhere–especially as more contracts fall off of the books. It’s unlikely that general manager Steve Yzerman will fill needs through a lot of free agent moves, so it’s either through trade–or the draft–where those needs can be filled.
Red Wings Have to Keep All Options on the Table
From trading down to selecting their guy at #6, the Red Wings should keep all of their options open when the time comes for their selection. Though it bucks conventional wisdom for a number of fans, would it be in Detroit’s best interest to draft goaltender Jesper Wallstedt at #6? Defensemen are aplenty and several good ones could fall to them, maybe even Luke Hughes.
But with all of that said, there’s a ton of offense that could jumpstart a forward group deficient of that big time scorer. Mock drafts have the likes of William Eklund, Matty Beniers, Kent Johnson, Dylan Guenther, and Mason McTavish all over the top 10. One of them will be there.
Yzerman has shown that he’s targeting specific players–those with high hockey IQ, and playing a responsible 200 foot game. For Yzerman, it’s not only the skill but the non-stop effort that he’s seeking.
It doesn’t behoove Detroit to be too restrictive–it’s essentially a moment where they need to examine the landscape and take that best player at the spot–something Yzerman has seemingly done with his choices of Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond already.
Red Wings have a Lot of Capital to Help
Obviously, not everything is going to hit. But having that first round pick from Washington hanging in the balance is a significant advantage. Beyond that, who knows what Yzerman will do between the time protection lists are in to the actual draft itself. There’s a multitude of options available to grab more impact guys early–from trading up with picks or potentially dangling current players as he continues to reconstruct the roster.
There is a lot of sense to going offense first, especially since the Red Wings are starving for scoring beyond the usual suspects. Grabbing that sure fire top scoring threat who can address the offense for the future is certainly a smart move. But so too can a dominating blue line choice or even a goaltender–should Detroit’s brass decide it’s the move for the organization.