A true giant could be available for the Red Wings in the next draft

Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman had his work cut out for him when he arrived back in the Motor City in April 2019.

Former general manager Ken Holland had left him an essentially bare cupboard when it came to prospects, having traded away most of them for over-the-hill veterans in an effort to keep a meaningless playoff streak alive.

It was especially frustrating considering that during the final years of the 25-year streak, the Red Wings weren't realistic championship contenders, and they were essentially mortgaging the future.

But since Yzerman's return, he's built Detroit's prospect pool back up into one of the best in all of the NHL - and he could have a chance to add a physically imposing figure to it in the 2025 Entry Draft.

Czech defenseman Radim Mrtka, who is still just 17 years of age, is expected to be made available in the Entry Draft. And while there is still a ways to go for him in his development, his physical size is already enough to make NHL general managers picture him on their blue line.

At 6'6, his height alone is enough to make him stand out from the other available prospects who will await their names to be called.

The Red Wings have had tall defensemen suit up for them in the past, including the 6'5 Jiri Fischer.

He's also currently ranked as the 13th overall prospect by Consolidated Ranking, the 12th overall prospect from TSN's Bob McKenzie, the 6th overall prospect by NHL Central Scouting, and 14th overall by Dobber Prospects.

He currently plays for the WHL's Seattle Thunderbirds, and has 29 points (3G, 26A) in 29 games. He also has 30 PIM.