The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler has produced a list highlighting his top 50 drafted NHL prospects, and only one Red Wings prospect cracked Wheeler’s list:
5. Filip Zadina, RW/LW, 18 (Detroit Red Wings — 6th overall, 2018)
I’m fairly confident the Montreal Canadiens and the Ottawa Senators will grow to regret their Friday night in Dallas, at least quietly. Their loss is the Red Wings’ gain — and they needed it. Despite the team’s desperate need for a rebuild, Zadina is their lone prospect in the top 50. Though I will say this: I really liked their 2018 draft, from Zadina on down to Joe Veleno and Jonatan Berggren. Zadina, more than the three forwards ahead of him on this list, is at his best when the puck’s on his stick and he can create as a primary carrier and option. Both Pettersson and Svechnikov can be dominant off the puck, finishing off plays in a split second. Zadina is electrifying because he scores his goals with that extra touch before he releases it in order to change his angle, a darting lateral cut, or a deke.
Wheeler continues (paywall)…
Rasmussen made his top 70, but should have been in the top 50 IMHO…