Jeremy Laura: Injuries have sent 2 Red Wings home from Worlds, why I won’t do draft picks

This is one of the most uncertain drafts in recent memory. After pick #1, there is already varying opinions on who goes #2. By the time you are looking at 10-25 everyone is just guessing. None of these mock draft writers have any clue who Detroit or any other team is planning to take.

To me the real story is that when faced with an impossible task of trying to forecast a totally uncertain draft...several "experts" assign the safe, reliable, limited upside, middle 6 forward to Detroit. So our drafting reputation isn't just something a few die hard fans have been saying, but a league-wide perception that our philosophy steers towards safety.

Chances are we don't take Nygard. Maybe someone else does. Maybe they like someone else slightly more. But the fact that of all the teams in this 10-25 range, people keep linking Detroit with this type of player is a sign of how stale our drafting has become. If you want a reliable, versatile middle six winger you can sign them every summer for free - see Copp, Compher, Perron, etc...

This is one of the most uncertain drafts in recent memory. After pick #1, there is already varying opinions on who goes #2. By the time you are looking at 10-25 everyone is just guessing. None of these mock draft writers have any clue who Detroit or any other team is planning to take.

To me the real story is that when faced with an impossible task of trying to forecast a totally uncertain draft...several "experts" assign the safe, reliable, limited upside, middle 6 forward to Detroit. So our drafting reputation isn't just something a few die hard fans have been saying, but a league-wide perception that our philosophy steers towards safety.

Chances are we don't take Nygard. Maybe someone else does. Maybe they like someone else slightly more. But the fact that of all the teams in this 10-25 range, people keep linking Detroit with this type of player is a sign of how stale our drafting has become. If you want a reliable, versatile middle six winger you can sign them every summer for free - see Copp, Compher, Perron, etc...
- Cooleus

I like your points. I’d heard one person say that the parity after the first pick is incredibly tight.

I also agree on signing/recruiting. Seider and Raymond both pleasant surprises. Tuomisto seems like he struggles with speed in the AHL. Hoping Kasper breaks out and Augustine as well.liking Edvinsson more (was a pick I wanted). Definitely need a big surprise at center and Swap out D.

I like your points. I’d heard one person say that the parity after the first pick is incredibly tight.

I also agree on signing/recruiting. Seider and Raymond both pleasant surprises. Tuomisto seems like he struggles with speed in the AHL. Hoping Kasper breaks out and Augustine as well.liking Edvinsson more (was a pick I wanted). Definitely need a big surprise at center and Swap out D.
- Jeremy Laura

I think most expect Demidov and Levshunov to go 2-3, depending on team need. Maybe a center like Lindstrom or Catton sneak into 2-3. But picks 5-20 seem very unpredictable. Could be anyone. Some have suggested Iginla or Eiserman. I don't think either falls to 15. My approach would be to swing for the fences on Trevor Connelly. He's being villified for off-ice social media posts - likely no different than most teenage boys - but the talent level is very high. So maybe other teams shy away and Yzerman overlooks this immaturity and takes skill. But teams like NJ and Minny don't shy away from skill so maybe they grab him first.

Awesome article on Nate Danielson!! He is an unbelievably talented kid with tremendous upside!! He is totally dedicated to his craft, takes ANY assignment without hesitation or complaining and excels!! I believe Y found a gem here!



https://www.shapshotshock...-in-on-red-wings-prospect

I really liked the pick when Yzerman got Danielson.. just as much as Edvinsson. I've got a good feeling about this kid. We really need an elite 2-way center. He's our best shot of that happening in the prospect pool.

I think most expect Demidov and Levshunov to go 2-3, depending on team need. Maybe a center like Lindstrom or Catton sneak into 2-3. But picks 5-20 seem very unpredictable. Could be anyone. Some have suggested Iginla or Eiserman. I don't think either falls to 15. My approach would be to swing for the fences on Trevor Connelly. He's being villified for off-ice social media posts - likely no different than most teenage boys - but the talent level is very high. So maybe other teams shy away and Yzerman overlooks this immaturity and takes skill. But teams like NJ and Minny don't shy away from skill so maybe they grab him first.
- Cooleus

I think Khan may have had Connelly in his list. It’s impossible to get kids to understand that one bad tweet can haunt you into your professional life. I was watching a CEO who talked about looking at a candidates social media presence to see if there was a history of destructive behavior. The Wings spend a few hours at camp talking to the prospects about social media. I think we all (to whom this applies) are glad there weren’t camera phones everywhere when we were growing up. Good stuff as always, thanks for the drop

Awesome article on Nate Danielson!! He is an unbelievably talented kid with tremendous upside!! He is totally dedicated to his craft, takes ANY assignment without hesitation or complaining and excels!! I believe Y found a gem here!



https://www.shapshotshock...-in-on-red-wings-prospect
- HenryHockey

My buddy “C” send an article last night of the author doing a “mea culpa” as he was angry about the Danielson selection. Right now he and Pellikka look like potential gems. I think Danielson could jump over other prospects in the organization. Very excited to see him. May make an entry later

I really liked the pick when Yzerman got Danielson.. just as much as Edvinsson. I've got a good feeling about this kid. We really need an elite 2-way center. He's our best shot of that happening in the prospect pool.
- Vladdie_Kon1

From what I’m hearing I think you’re right. Griffins finally start round 2 tomorrow after a 10 day break waiting for the other teams to finish up. Edvinsson was making some solid plays and looks very confident. Danielson could be a gem and I’m hoping he does grabbing one of the top 2 center spots. Special kid

From what I’m hearing I think you’re right. Griffins finally start round 2 tomorrow after a 10 day break waiting for the other teams to finish up. Edvinsson was making some solid plays and looks very confident. Danielson could be a gem and I’m hoping he does grabbing one of the top 2 center spots. Special kid
- Jeremy Laura

Seeing highlights from him playing with the Winter Hawks and his small sample size in the NHL preseason this past year has my gut telling me he can make the jump straight to the NHL and not even have to go to Grand Rapids. He's that good. Not since Zetterberg or Datsyuk have we seen a Detroit prospect kid this good at 18 years of age in terms of elite 2-way center potential. He may well have a higher ceiling than Larkin. That is my hope. We'll see how it all plays out.

Seeing highlights from him playing with the Winter Hawks and his small sample size in the NHL preseason this past year has my gut telling me he can make the jump straight to the NHL and not even have to go to Grand Rapids. He's that good. Not since Zetterberg or Datsyuk have we seen a Detroit prospect kid this good at 18 years of age in terms of elite 2-way center potential. He may well have a higher ceiling than Larkin. That is my hope. We'll see how it all plays out.
- Vladdie_Kon1

I’m hoping. I think the interview that piqued Detroit on Nate was Bedard saying he was the toughest opponent he faced. Trying to keep enthusiasm in check but that kid seems to be special.

I’m hoping. I think the interview that piqued Detroit on Nate was Bedard saying he was the toughest opponent he faced. Trying to keep enthusiasm in check but that kid seems to be special.
- Jeremy Laura

Lack of goal scoring at the junior level is a major concern to me.

Lack of goal scoring at the junior level is a major concern to me.
- Feds91Stammer

It’s always good to have some scrutiny. He seems to be developing with 12 goals and 41 points in 28 games in junior and has gained some looks during the world Junior playoffs. It will be interesting to see his usage and linemates in the fall. When I used to be able to make it to Traverse, they would post all 4 teams for camp and who was on which line. Where I appreciate the concern is that it’s too easy to get caught up in the “hype” of a prospect (Jurco, Mantha, Svech for me personally). Once that young player goes head to head with adult pros you start to see if they can hold up.

Nice drop in, thanks for that.

Hey all, i need some help on some of the Bally stuff I’m following up on. If you are a DirecTV or DirecTV stream user please shoot me a DM

Lack of goal scoring at the junior level is a major concern to me.
- Feds91Stammer

It seems his coaches use him a lot on PK and defensive draws. That would give him less offensive zone time and less scoring chances. Also the article tells of his passing prowess. More of a set-up guy? Nevertheless, I am sure usage has a lot to do with it.

I might as well eat my words about this guy! Prolific fore and back checking!


https://twitter.com/lassi...tatus/1790374004064481749

I might as well eat my words about this guy! Prolific fore and back checking!


https://twitter.com/lassi...tatus/1790374004064481749
- HenryHockey

Thanks for posting that! Definitely threw some hits and had takeaways. I have no clue what direction Yzerman will go. Was surprised to see so many mention Nygard. Have heard concerns that he’s a “safe” pick. Middle 6, may not have a high ceiling. I’m just gonna wait and watch. I wouldn’t wa T to take those hits. I don’t know if it’s conditioning or nutrition or what but it feels like these kids keep getting stronger

Thanks for posting that! Definitely threw some hits and had takeaways. I have no clue what direction Yzerman will go. Was surprised to see so many mention Nygard. Have heard concerns that he’s a “safe” pick. Middle 6, may not have a high ceiling. I’m just gonna wait and watch. I wouldn’t wa T to take those hits. I don’t know if it’s conditioning or nutrition or what but it feels like these kids keep getting stronger
- Jeremy Laura

This is a guy Tampa might trade 4 picks for at the TDL in 4 years!