The Athletic’s Craig Custance examines some of the Red Wings’ draft options with their 3 picks “in the 30’s”:
At this point, the Red Wings feel like they have a pretty good idea how the top five picks in front of their first draft choice are going to play out. Sure, there are always wild cards. There are trades and surprises. But they feel really good about their ability to land a top player at No. 6.
That may be the easy part. The area that makes or breaks Detroit’s draft are the picks that come after that. The cluster of three picks — No. 30 overall (assuming the Capitals win the Stanley Cup) acquired from Vegas in the Tomas Tatar deal, No. 33 and No. 36.
This is where they have to win this draft.
Detroit likes the talent available in that range. Director of amateur scouting Tyler Wright said he believes we’ll look back at the 2018 draft as one that was deep and full of impact NHL players.
“We really believe as an organization that this draft is deep in the Top 50,” Wright told The Athletic on Wednesday. “It’s not going to surprise anybody that someone who goes 28, 29, 30 might be better than someone who goes at 10 or 12.”
Custance continues (paywall)…
Bergeron was a 2nd round pick. It’d be great to find that level of player in this range.
This is why to me picking based somewhat on character makes sense. A lot of these kids have what it takes but not the character to endure what needs to be done to make it and be great in the NHL. It’s not easy and it’s a grueling task. Those with the drive and motivation will make it. Some can have all the skill in the world but will never make it because they lack that character
That’s why I’d like AA moved—don’t believe he has the drive/motivation to undertake the grueling effort needed to improve.
Mrazek too, although no longer a RW problem.
I really like Jack Drury. Looks like a great leadership guy. He has those I N T A N G I B L E S.