Here’s a look at the Red Wings’ picks from the 2021 NHL Draft:
Simon Edvinsson
► Pick: No. 6 overall (Round 1)
► Position: Defense
► Height/weight: 6-foot-5, 207 pounds
► Last season: Frolunda and Vasteras (SHL), 0 goals, 6 assists, 6 points
► Scouting report: Edvinsson was the top-rated defenseman out of Europe, and only Michigan defenseman Owen Power was rated higher on many draft boards earlier in the season. He’s big, mobile, plays with some grit, and draws many comparisons to Tampa Bay’s Victor Hedman. Edvinsson does need to add bulk and add strength. Another year or two away from playing in North America.
Sebastian Cossa
► Pick: No. 15 overall (Round 1)
► Position: Goaltender
► Height/weight: 6-foot-6, 212 pounds
► Last season: Drummondville (QMJHL), 17-1-1, 1.57 GAA, .941 SVS
► Scouting report: It was either going to be Cossa or Jesper Wallstedt who was going to be the first goalie drafted, and the Wings made it Cossa. He’s a big, athletic goaltender who uses his size to his advantage and doesn’t give opposing shooters many holes. Moves well in net and is technically sound. Cossa plays with confidence and doesn’t mind chirping opponents.
Shai Buium
► Pick: No. 36 overall (Round 2)
► Position: Defenseman
► Height/weight: 6-foot-3, 214 pounds
► Last season: Sioux City (USHL), 50 games, four goals, 22 assists, 26 points
► Scouting report: Another lanky, rangy defenseman who is a left-handed shot and can transport the puck up the ice. From San Diego, he’s taken an unnatural route up the junior circuit, but impressed at prep powerhouse Shattuck-St. Mary’s (Minnesota) and Sioux City. Will play at the University of Denver with another Wings’ prospect, Antti Tuomisto, and third-round pick Carter Mazur.
Carter Mazur
► Pick: No. 70 overall (Round 3)
► Position: Left wing
► Height/weight: 6-foot, 168 pounds
► Last season: Tri-City (USHL), 47 games, 20 goals, 24 assists, 44 points
► Scouting report: A Jackson native, Mazur began his junior career playing in the Little Caesars program. Mazur was a captain for Tri-City this season and he is a second-year draft eligible player, having gone undrafted last year. Scouts have been impressed with his pure offensive skill, but he desperately needs to get stronger. Mazur, 19, is quick and can handle the puck, and could develop into a prospect if he gets stronger physically.
Red Savage
► Pick: No. 114 overall (Round 4)
► Position: Left wing/center
► Height/weight: 5-foot-11, 181 pounds
► Last season: USNTDP, 46 games, 18 goals, 24 assists, 42 points
► Scouting report: Headed to the University of Miami (Ohio) after a productive season for the USNTDP. Savage projects as an accountable two-way forward, and scouts feel has a particularly refined offensive game along with great leadership skills. He’s the son of former NHL player Brian Savage.
Liam Dower Nilsson
► Pick: No. 134 overall (Round 5)
► Position: Center
► Height/weight: 6-foot, 176 pounds
► Last season: Frolunda/Hanhals (Sweden), 30 games, 11 goals, 20 assists, 31 points
► Scouting report: Crafty passer who can quarterback a power play, and has terrific instincts on the ice in finding open linemates. Some mock drafts had him going higher in the draft by a couple of rounds. Needs to grow physically, and Wings will let him develop. Good leader, and scouts like his two-way game.
Oscar Plandowski
► Pick: No. 155 overall (Round 5)
► Position: Defenseman
► Height/weight: 6-foot, 190 pounds
► Last season: Charlottetown (Quebec), 39 games, five goals, 12 assists, 17 points
► Scouting report: Prolific skater who appears to be more of a defensive defenseman. Has fine speed and could develop into a shut-down type of defenseman if he continues to progress. His dad Darryl is director of amateur scouting for Arizona (and starred at Northern Michigan) and mom Jill is a power-skating coach.
Pasquale Zito
► Pick: No. 166 overall (Round 6)
► Position: Left wing
► Height/weight: 6-foot, 174 pounds
► Last season: Windsor (OHL), 2019-20, 46 games, three goals, 10 assists, 13 points
► Scouting report: Missed the entire season as the Ontario Hockey League didn’t play due to the pandemic. An emotional player who do whatever it takes to win, Zito is a good energy guy, a checker, who is effective on the defensive end. Good in the faceoff circle, Zito likes the physical part of the game.
tkulfan@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @tkulfan