The state of the team From GM Steve Yzerman along with Blashill’s concerns about a long layoff for the players were the topic on my previous post. Since then, there have been speculations that the next season could start as late as January. That would be a near 11 month layoff for the unlucky 7, and regardless of player experience, that feels like far too long. If that is the case, expect several from Detroit, Buffalo, New Jersey, Ottawa, San Jose, L.A. and Anaheim to look at overseas playing, if only for the first part of the season. The last lockout saw some interesting destinations, including Scotland for Drew Miller.
While the state of the playoffs as well as beginning next season remain in flux, there is still going to be a draft at some point. Once the playoffs are over, the league will do some version of the event (whether full blown, virtual or somewhere in between) and Detroit will have a brand spanking new prospect guaranteed to be in the first four selections. I’d asked you all to come up with your scenarios and have marked down your picks. Here is some video scouting for what you’ve all come up with.
There is solidarity concerning Alexis Lafreniere as the first overall. If Detroit selects first (and doesn’t trade the pick as some readers pondered) the player described as “franchise changing” and even “sizzling” by the media outlets is sure to be hailed as the saving grace this franchise desperately needs. Comparisons to Sidney Crosby are not doled out lightly, and yet they exist here. I personally feel that Yzerman would never trade down and would gladly welcome the 6’1” left wing phenom into the fold.
Quinton Byfield
Is the stud center many are hoping for if Detroit selects at 2nd overall. 6’4” and highly touted, if this pick makes it to Detroit, he would almost immediately be considered the #1 of the future by some.
Tim Stutzle Also appears as a potential 2nd overall pick (as well as 3rd and 4th) on some lists. Listed as both a center and left wing, part of the intrigue of this prospect was Yzerman’s personal scouting this past season. As with Moritz Seider, Yzerman spent a good deal of time watching this German player. Enough so that it piqued there attention of NHL.com and others. No one wants to be as far off on Yzerman’s pick as they were last year. He surprised everyone, and Seider’s reaction will be replayed throughout his career as that moment of genuine shock so many felt. Seider looks to be the real deal, and Stutzle could be joining his countryman playing for the winged wheel.
Jamie Drysdale Is the highest rank defenseman of this draft, and mock drafts have seen him as highly picked as 2nd overall by L.A. to 4th by Detroit should Byfield and Stutzle both be off the board. Picks 2-4 are in constant flux depending on where you look. The lack of a showcase and world junior made the final rankings (past number 1) a little less cemented. In truth, it all depends on need here. Drysdale fits the bill as a mobile defenseman. Listed at 5’11”, the trend of the high value smaller D man continues to show itself. The sting of missing out on Quinn Hughes still agitates many fans as he looks to be the whole package. Even Evan Bouchard, the highly touted big right shot defenseman of the past decade, doesn’t seem to have the same impact as the smaller Hughes is showing. It it not outside the realm of possibility that Yzerman could add to the very promising Seider in bringing Drysdale to Motown.
Lucas Raymond Was a pick off the beaten path and a good shout by Sven22. 5’10” right shooting European equally at home on the left or right side. This could be one of those Dark Horse picks, one that benefits from the top scouting focus being so much on Lafreniere, Byfield, Drysdale, and Stutzle. I love seeing wingers on their off wing. It can give goalies fits and opens up so much deception on a breakaway wrist shot. Left on the right, right on the left, and those tiny dekes and blade moves can lead to some fantastic opportunities. Raymond could also be the 4th forward on a power play at the blue line. Loads of skill and scoring potential.
That is all of my focus for this blog. Honorable mentions go to Askarov, Rossi and Vukojeic and they may well be the feature of a separate post. It is hard for me to imagine Yzerman trading outside of the top 4 (or 1st overall) to pick one of these players. If, however, that is the scenario, fame and a $25 gift card are both up for grabs! I hope you enjoy the read and the videos!
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