Helm and Filppula could be moving on. both have had a good run, being drafted in 2005 and 2002 (respectively). Helm may find work as a 4th line/depth player for teams that will need bodies in the post season. Filppula may well be ready to hang up his skates.
Waiting for Detroit’s next move is a bit like sailing on Lake Michigan on a Catamaran. We were lucky to have friends skilled in coasting the bluest coastal waters in the mitten on a pontoon supported death trap. It was amazing when the waters were still. But, out of nowhere, a storm comes out and you have to flip it over so the mast doesn’t get struck by lightning. At some point, buckets of information will come flooding out of the offices at Little Caesars Arena. Until then, let’s throw on a harness and surf the waves of the mock draft.
In a month, we will know who Yzerman has had his eyes on. Most pundits have missed the mark completely in the first two Detroit drafts for the former captain. However, it doesn’t keep them from trying! The three most common names hitting the cycle right now are Jesper Wallstedt, William Eklund, and Simon Edvinsson. Edvinsson is a little newer to the list and certainly addresses another area of weakness that we’ve spoken about at length. The left side defense.
you can check out Edvinsson’s prospect page here. listed at 6’5” and 207 lbs, Edvinsson is ranked as high as 2nd for international skaters. I’ve seen some mocks have him taken at 9th, I’ve also seen mock drafts where he’s taken at 3rd overall, so don’t get too excited about this prospect. His highlight reel is worth the watch. Very good skating, good edges. He uses his reach to protect the puck while skating. This would be a nice “get”, for sure.
Many of you have mentioned either Eklund or Wallstedt. There’s still a lot of hesitation in Jesper Wallstedt from readers, about taking a goalie with a high pick. At this point, if Yzerman grabbed him, I’d be fine with it. https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/394719/william-eklund is appearing on several lists being taken before 6 and would certainly be a nice add if Yzerman got ahold of him. Listed as a Center/Winger he’s getting comparisons to the Euro Twins from some Youtubers and scribes. Certainly not a bad place to start, but a high compliment to live up to.
I guess there’s a certain amount of Freedom in needing players in nearly every category. Edvinsson is one of my favorite in the mocks so far. The super fans of his are calling him “Hedman lite” or “Oliver Ekman-Larsson 2.0”. I tend to cringe at the high praise until we get to see the player on NHL ice. It’s a long way to get there, but so far I like what I see.
Where are you all at? Are these three on your list (I know the anti goalie crew is uncomfortable right now). Who would you be most excited to see at 6th overall in a month? I’ll see you all in the comments.
I will be featuring the writings of Kevin Allen for a summer reading program this year. It’s tough to break up the summer months, and the one on one formats that Kevin has perfected is not only a pleasure to read but gives insight that isn’t easy to come by. I’ll be starting with Chris Chelios “Made in America”.
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