Follow me on Twitter
another day another contract At nearly 2 months into a complete cessation of NHL hockey, last week felt like a whirlwind of activity. You can read my last post about Victor Brattstrom signing his ELC.
The league has sent out a multi page report to GMs outlining an early June draft. While the NHL seems to be eager to move on this, GMs are mixed at best. Steve Yzerman, for instance, is
not a fan
However, the Red Wings could indeed benefit greatly from some
proposed draft changes For this year
The main benefit is tied to the idea of only one draft “winner” instead of three. The team that wins can only move up a maximum of 4 spaces, and no team will fall more than 1 place from where they sit in the standings. This would push Detroit’s worst case scenario from picking 4th to picking 2nd. And, in all likelihood, that would bring
Tim Stützle To Detroit.
The scenario becomes much more “lively” and fluid if Detroit picks at 4. With Stützle climbing the draft projections, he may well be a consensus 2nd or 3rd pick. If that is the case, the 4th pick could be wide open. While there are some who insist Jamie Drysdale couldn’t be taken that high, Yzerman has already proven his ability to go against the grain. Hands raised for everyone who had Seider at 6....
In fairness, Yzerman did look at trading down last year (and could well again if the player he wants can be had a bit later), the former Captain made it clear they are drafting need over “best available”. That argument had many wishing to see Zadina passed over for Hughes, and that prevailing wisdom may continue to seek defense. It feels like Stützle is high on Yzerman’s list, as he personally scouted the young German winger in Europe. Yzerman likes to be hands on with scouting as much as possible, but European trips for that purposes can be hard to come by during the season.
Lafreniere is still the consensus top pick. And, yes, that would have an immediate impact on the club (if only excitement for fans). The year Zadina was picked, development camp was packed. People had repurposed Cleary jersies with a Zadina nameplate. It was fun to see how even the broadcasters were ogling the new acquisition. Lafreniere would probably sell out development camp tickets at 2008 levels. Die hard fans would be beside themselves for the first #1 pick since the 80s.
It still feels like the top pick will probably belong to Ottawa or (good Lord no) New Jersey, especially if the lottery is held under the old rules. Ottawa escaped a nasty feeling when the pick belonging to Colorado ended up falling 3 spots. Tkachuk is, to be certain, a great benefit to the club, but that kind of PR would have capped off a nasty run of, well, nasty public opinion.
A side note about “finishing” the season. The fervent activity of the NHL to try and find a solution seemed to be attached to lost revenue, to be certain. However, a new hiccup has been discovered. NHL teams that use FOX as their affiliate have a clause that will penalize the clubs for any games that go unplayed. Without knowing the exact dollar amount, this would be a nightmare for players in particular. That revenue would be subtracted from HRR, causing an even larger gap that has already been estimated at $1 billion dollars. There are GMs who think that a compromise on escrow could be made with a frozen cap. There is also the talk of salary rollback in exchange for debt forgiveness. The situation remains fluid, though a 20-21 start date in December has now been pitched. Whatever the decision, a brave new world awaits where some degree of damage is going to be. Inflicted. Here’s hoping the league and players can minimize the casualties.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»