Steve Yzerman needs to grab one of them in the 2nd-round
Since Steve Yzerman took over, he's made the Detroit Red Wings one of the coolest teams to watch at the NHL Draft. This year will be no different when several first-round-caliber prospects potentially fall to the second round.
If one of these talented players makes it to the middle of the second, Yzerman will strongly consider them.
Here are three prospects the Red Wings might target:
Jesse Pulkkinen, D/JYP:
At 6'6 and 220 pounds, Pulkkinen is one of the draft's most imposing blueliners. Despite his size, he's an offensive defenseman, scoring 11 goals and 28 points in 18 SM-sarja regular season games. His combination of physicality and offensive prowess makes him an enticing option.
Andrew Basha, LW/Medicine Hat Tigers:
Ranked 18th by Elite Prospects, Basha is a playmaking winger with respectable size at 6'0 and 187 pounds. His assist numbers have surged, with 55 assists and 85 total points in 2023-24. Basha's quick development could see him in the AHL by 2025-26.
Ryder Ritchie, RW/Prince Albert Raiders:
Ritchie, despite his smaller size, shows potential as an elite playmaker. He's put on nearly 20 pounds, now at 177, and has years left to develop in the WHL. Though his production hasn't been dominant, his potential to evolve into a top-tier player makes him a worthwhile consideration.
These prospects offer Detroit a chance to secure two first-round-caliber talents, significantly enriching their prospect pool.
Source: Octopus Thrower
3 first-round talents the Red Wings can steal in Round 2 of the NHL Draft
| POLL | ||
Who would you take between the three? | ||
| Jesse Pulkkinen | 75 | 67 % |
| Andrew Basha | 21 | 18.8 % |
| Ryder Ritchie | 16 | 14.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
