Red Wings select Filip Zadina 6th overall

From Future Considerations:

An all-round elite player with pretty good size, he is a superb skater.
Very smooth, he is well-balanced and very agile. A solid youngster on his skates. Top speed is above average. So is his acceleration. His feet are always moving. He’s never stationary, so it seems like he’s everywhere. Scouts rave about his explosiveness. An extremely fun player to watch because he’s a threat to score every time he’s on the ice. His puckhandling is elite and he often catches defenders flatfooted. He can evade pressure and protect the puck at high speeds, and he especially loves to attack open spaces. He’s got a nose for the net and likes to set up in that low-slot area. During battles in the corner or while being checked, you don’t see him being pushed
away from the puck. His shot is already considered by scouts to be at a pro level – in other words, NHL-ready. Because of his hockey IQ, he can dominate games. He also uses his teammates well. Defensively, he appears to be aware of his responsibilities. He will put his stick in passing lanes and take his man on the backcheck. With Halifax, Zadina produced 82 points, including 44 goals, in 57 appearances. Very high expectations for the Czech on draft day. While he does project as a better winger, he does have the ability to play down the middle allowing him to be a versatile option.

From The Athletic’s Corey Pronman:

6. Detroit Red Wings: Filip Zadina

LW, Halifax-QMJHL

Nov. 27, 1999 | six-foot | 195 pounds

Zadina skates well, with a powerful stride that eats up ice efficiently. He has near elite grade hands, which allows him to be quite elusive. He can create as a playmaker and tends to make good decisions moving the puck, but he’s known as a trigger man, with one of the better wrist shots in the draft class. What I love about Zadina is how multi-dimensional he is. He can attack defenses by dangling through guys, he can protect pucks and drive around guys, and he can power his ways past defenders or utilize an inch of space to score from long distance. He is a highly competitive player who gets high marks for his character and competes his butt off to win puck battles on the ice.

Pronman’s take: In Filip Zadina, the Wings get my third-ranked prospect. He has dynamic skills, a high-end shot and the capability to step in next season and contribute to the team with the potential to be a star winger. He’s a high character kid, as well. Wings fans will love him.

McKeen’s Michael Sanderson:

Halifax Mooseheads forward Filip Zadina and Acadie-Bathurst Titan blueliner Noah Dobson are the top two players out of the Quebec league, and both should expect to hear their names called early in June in Dallas.

Zadina’s speed and skillset is off-the-charts great. He is an offensive force, just as creative at using his teammates as using his own skills. Our number three ranked prospect is an extremely talented attacker who should develop into a superstar goalscorer at the NHL level.

The numbers do not lie. No one should be surprised that the Mooseheads have another of their bevy of prospects at the top of the list, as with Nico Hischier last year and many others before that, including Nathan MacKinnon, Jonathan Drouin, Nikolai Ehlers, and Timo Meier. The Mooseheads have created a fast-track to NHL development, and owner Bobby Smith and general manager Cam Russell deserve full marks for providing the environment conducive to developing the best available prospects.

The comparisons are natural – Is Zadina better or worse than last year’s number one in Hischier? Offensively, he may be a bit better; a better skater, a better shooter. Hischier is more of a playmaker and more responsible defensively. Surely, whichever team calls the name of Filip Zadina, and it will be early, will be very happy, and their fans will be out-of-their-seats for years to come.

From Ted Kulfan:

So much for all the mock drafts.

The expectation of the Red Wings taking a defenseman was erased Friday when they selected winger Filip Zadina at No. 6 overall in the first round of the NHL Draft.

Playing with Halifax in the Quebec major junior league, Zadina scored 44 goals and had 38 assists for 82 points.

An elite offensive player, Zadina was a player the Wings couldn’t pass on, despite a bevy of defensemen available such as Quinn Hughes (Michigan), Evan Bouchard or Noah Dobson.

Scouting services describe Zadina as lethal in his ability to score from multiple areas and can also create offense wit his playmaking.

There is a some belief Zadina could step right into the Red Wings’ lineup in October.

MLive’s Ansar Khan:

Zadina (6-0, 197) who many projected to be selected as high as third, collected 44 goals and 82 points in 57 games for Halifax. The native of Pardubice in the Czech Republic shoots left.

TSN draft analyst Craig Button told MLive that Zadina is an explosive offensive player.

“From the circles down inside the dots he can score from any area in that square ice,” Button said. “Whether you’re on the left side or the right side, whether you’re close to the net, further away from the net, he’s got that great ability to score from that area. He understands how to get himself open and he understands how to get himself unchecked, which is really important for goal-scorers.

“Secondly, he’s a good playmaker. He’s not just a player who needs to score goals to be most effective. … He’s a hungry, determined, competitive goal-scorer. You got to be willing to get inside and willing to be hungry to score and Zadina has all those qualities. He’s got an exceptional release as well. He doesn’t let goaltenders get a read on his shot. There’s a lot of guys who can shoot the puck hard and they can overpower a goaltender, but when you use deception and you have a shot that a goaltender can’t get a read on, that translates to goal-scoring at the NHL level.”

Zadina led all rookies and tied for seventh in the QMJHL in points.

Red Line Report said of Zadina: “Deadly shooter is a pure sniper who doesn’t need much time or space to score. Has a heavy, accurate shot and a sixth sense about finding soft areas to release it. Shows excellent puck control. Can score in a variety of ways, and like all great scorers, he’s never deterred — just keeps shooting knowing he’ll eventually find the back of the net. Has a dynamic one-timer and smartly uses (defensemen) to screen his release.”

And the Free Press’s Helene St. James:

The Detroit Red Wings selected Filip Zadina of the Czech Republic with the No. 6 overall pick in Friday’s 2018 NHL draft.

He’s a great goalscorer. Can score with shot, can score in hard areas by going to net. Solid on his skates and has playmaking ability as well. Potential to be 40-goal scorer.

Zadina was projected to go third to Montreal in my mock draft.

Per WJBK Fox 2:

The Detroit Red Wings selected forward Filip Zadina sixth overall in the 2018 NHL Draft.

The 18-year-old Czech forward had 44 goals and 38 assists in 57 games for the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

The 6’1″, 192 pound forward was named the top professional prospect of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in his lone season.

In seven games for the Czech Republic during the World Junior Championships this year, Zadina had seven goals and one assist while leading them to a fourth place finish.

 

 

 Elite Prospects:

Filip Zadina is a dynamic offensive forward that plays a complete game. A deft and agile skater, he exhibits explosive mobility both up and down the ice. In all three zones, he proactively looks to create problems for the opposition. His awareness is indicative of his high level of hockey sense, and he knows how to make plays and scoring chances materialize. Has a goal scorer’s toolbox, complete with the individual puck skills that one comes to expect from today’s elite offensive players. The accurate release on his shot is noteworthy and is a defining aspect of his offensive capabilities. Defensively sound, he disrupts lanes and pressures the opposition to make hasty decisions; he is tenacious in pursuit of puck control and transitions up-ice naturally. All-in-all, Zadina can be categorized as both a two-way forward with a well-rounded game and a dominant offensive force. (Curtis Joe, EP 2018)

From Michigan Hockey’s Michael Caples:

They weren’t supposed to have a chance at him.

They jumped on the opportunity.

With the sixth overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, the Detroit Red Wings selected sniper Filip Zadina Friday night in Dallas.

A native of Pardubice, Czech Republic, Zadina came to Canada for the 2017-18 season, and promptly scored 44 goals and 82 points in 57 games with the QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads. He was ranked No. 3 among all North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings, and No. 2 in the midterm.

“High-end skilled forward with excellent playmaking ability,” NHL Central Scouting says of Zadina. “He has very good vision, excellent anticipation and exceptional natural instincts. Possesses strong puck skills, a quick, accurate release, and looks to shoot. He is committed to playing a two-way game.”

Zadina checks in at 6-foot-0 and 197 pounds.

Update: The Oakland Press’s Pat Caputo weighs in:

The Red Wings didn’t draft for need, which would have been a defensemen. Instead the Red Wings took the very best talent. Zadin is gifted enough he might turned out out to be the best forward in this draft.

Think Patrick Laine. This kid has similar touch around the net. In some years, he’d go No.1 overall. His upside is probably more so than 2017’s No. 1 overall pick Nico Hischier of the New Jersey Devils.

The early part of the draft showed the value of centers. Montreal and Phoenix drafted centers in the first round in Jesperi Kotkaniemi (Candiens) and Barrett Hayton (Coyotes).

But in my opinion, they stretched for those picks. Sure, Quinn Hughes from Michigan and Swede Adam Bovqist are extraordinarily skilled and puck-moving defensemen, but small and therefore present some risk. They were selected by Vancouver and Chicago in the next two picks. Evan Bouchard and Noah Dobson are really good, too, and defensemen.

But Zadina had to be the highest player on the Red Wings’ board. I’m shocked he was still there at sixth overall, And it’s not like they don’t need another goal scorer. He will definitely help on the power play and is advanced. Zadina should arrive in the NHL sooner instead of later.

Here’s AWood40’s clip of the Wings picking Zadina:

 

Here’s NHL.com’s profile of Zadina:

Profile:

• Zadina led all rookies and tied for seventh in the QMJHL with 44-38—82 in 2017-18 (57 GP). He added 5-7—12 in nine postseason contests with Halifax.

• His breakout 2017-18 campaign saw him named to the QMJHL First All-Star Team and All-Rookie Team. He also was awarded the Mike Bossy Trophy as the QMJHL’s Best Professional Prospect.

• Zadina was named to the 2018 World Junior Championship All-Star Team after recording 7-1—8 in seven games. He also was a member of the Czech Republic’s gold medal-winning team at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial (5-2—7 in 4 GP).

• His father, Marek Zadina, played for multiple teams across 17 seasons in the Czech Republic’s top men’s league.

• Models his style of play after Marian Hossa.

SCOUTING REPORT:

NHL Central Scouting:

“High-end skilled forward with excellent playmaking ability. He has very good vision, excellent anticipation and exceptional natural instincts. Possesses strong puck skills, a quick, accurate release, and looks to shoot. He is committed to playing a two-way game.”

Update #2: From the Halifax Chronicle-Herald’s Wily Pavlov:

Filip Zadina is headed to Hockeytown.

The Detroit Red Wings selected the Halifax Mooseheads winger sixth overall at the NHL draft in Dallas on Friday. The Czech sniper became the fourth Mooseheads import forward in the past five years to be selected in the top nine. Going before him were Nico Hischier (first overall in 2017, New Jersey Devils), Nikolaj Ehlers (ninth overall in 2014, Winnipeg Jets) and Timo Meier (ninth overall in 2015, San Jose Sharks).

“It’s a great organization and coaching staff,” Zadina said in an interview with Sportsnet. “The city is great. I enjoyed every moment when I was in Halifax. It was such a cool season for me and I was so glad I could (go to) Halifax.”

Zadina had 44 goals and 38 assists in 57 regular season games last season to finish seventh in QMJHL scoring. He added 12 points in nine playoff games and scored seven goals in seven games for the Czech Republic at the world junior tournament.

His outstanding season made a huge impact on his draft stock after a tough 2016-17. The six-foot-one, 192-pound winger elected to stay home to play professionally but only had one goal and one assist in 25 games for his hometown team in Pardubice.

The 18-year-old will have an excellent chance to crack the Red Wings’ lineup this season. They are thin on the wings, especially on the right side where Zadina likes to play.

From the Free Press’s George Stoia:

“He can shoot the puck, so let’s put a check mark next to that,” Craig Button said on NBCSN’s draft broadcast. “Lethal from the top of the circles and down inside the circles. … When you talk about the ability to score from multiple areas in the offensive zone, that’s where Zadina becomes very difficult to check and he creates a lot of challenges for defenders. He’s also a very good playmaker. … When you think of the Detroit Red Wings, I think they can see a guy that can hope will be in their lineup at the beginning of next season.”

“You add a guy like Zadina, you’ve got enough offense to compete,” Pierre McGuire said. “That was a really big problem for the (Red Wings). So you understand what (GM) Kenny Holland is doing.”

Zadina, from the Czech Republic, was interviewed on stage in Dallas after the pick.

He was asked what makes him such a great goal scorer.

“Probably my shot,” Zadina said. “I’m trying to have the best shot in my league and I was always trying to work on it. I’ve done a good job but I want to be better every time I’m on the ice.”

On trying to look good.

“I love to look good. It’s something about my personality, I just want to be a good person and to be a good person, I have to look sharp.”

When will he play in Detroit?

“I will play as soon as possible. It’s going to be hopefully soon.”

Update #2: Here’s the Free Press’s Helene St. James with more:

Leading up to the April 28 draft lottery, the Wings had this guy on their list if they picked second or third. He had 44 goals and 38 assists for 82 points in 57 games with Halifax in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in 2017-18.

Zadina said he was surprised to be available at sixth.

“I don’t want to call if that I ‘fall to sixth,’ ” he said, smiling. “I’m a Detroit player and I just want to prove to Detroit that they made a good decision. I am glad I could be here.

“Everybody was probably expecting I was going to Montreal, but anything can happen. I’m just glad I can be in Detroit.”

Zadina has the potential to speed up the Wings’ rebuilding process as  an elite scorer with a great shot and great passing skills.

The Wings passed on Michigan defenseman Quinn Hughes. He was taken one pick later by the Vancouver Canucks at No. 7.

Zadina was projected to go third to Montreal in our mock draft.

“You add a guy like Zadina, you’ve got enough offense to compete,” NBCSN analyst Pierre McGuire said after the pick. “That was a really big problem for the (Red Wings). So you understand what (GM) Kenny Holland is doing.”

Update #3: Here’s more from the Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan:

“It feels awesome,” Zadina told the media scrum around him, minutes after being drafted. “I feel so happy right now. I am in Detroit and I don’t care what (slot he was picked). I’m a Detroit player. I’m just glad I’m here.”

Zadina was a player the Wings couldn’t pass on, despite a bevy of defensemen available such as Quinn Hughes (Michigan), Evan Bouchard or Noah Dobson.

There is a some belief Zadina could step right into the Red Wings’ lineup in October.

“It’s probably good for me, get more chances to play and to show I can play in the NHL,” Zadina said of the Red Wings’ current rebuild.

…

“Everybody was expecting I was going to Montreal, but it’s the draft and anything can happen,” Zadina said. “I don’t really care about the number (draft pick). I’m just glad to be in Detroit. I didn’t fall, it’s just the draft, (but) I was kind of nervous where I would be (picked). But it’s Detroit, and it’s unbelievable.”

One possible reason Zadina dropped in the draft could be some poor physical testing scores at the combine.

Zadina’s confidence also rubbed some people the wrong way. He told reporters earlier in the month he’d like to fill Montreal’s nets if the Canadiens didn’t draft him and told reporters in Dallas he can’t wait to play against Ottawa and Montreal, teams who passed on him Friday.

“I just want to play and prove to them they didn’t like that decision (not to pick him),” Zadina said. “I’m just glad and I want to prove (to) Detroit they made a good decision.”

Update #4: Here’s more from DetroitRedWings.com’s Dana Wakiji:

“It feels awesome,” Zadina said. “I feel so happy right now. I don’t get it still that I am in Detroit, so maybe tomorrow when I wake up I will just say, ‘OK I am in Detroit.’ I am so happy. It’s gone so quick that I can’t even realize it that I am in Detroit.”

Zadina, listed at 6-feet, 190 pounds, led all Quebec Major Junior Hockey League rookies in goals with 44 and points with 82 this past season for the Halifax Mooseheads.

“Nikita Kucherov, I love to watch him on the ice, a special player,” Zadina said. “I model my game after him.”

The Wings would certainly love it if Zadina turns out to be as prolific a scorer as the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Kucherov is in the NHL.

Mike Morreale of NHL.com said the Czech forward “goes to the tough areas to generate chances and has the makings of a perennial 30-goal scorer in the NHL.”

Guillaume Lepage, also of NHL.com, said, “He had a great season and took advantage of every opportunity to showcase his individual skills. A sharpshooter with good size, he can change the course of a game when he decides to take matters into his own hands.”

The Red Line Report projected Zadina as a first line sniper that they compared to St. Louis Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko, saying, “Deadly shooter is a pure sniper who doesn’t need much time or space to score. Has a heavy, accurate shot and a sixth sense about finding soft areas to release it. Shows excellent puck control. Can score in a variety of ways, and like all great scorers, he’s never deterred — just keeps shooting knowing he’ll eventually find the back of the net. Has a dynamic 1-timer and smartly uses d-men to screen his release. Cares a ton about winning and wants to be a good teammate. Skating is not exceptional but he changes directions and speeds well and is incredibly persistent and determined to get the puck and do something with it. More than willing to go into dangerous areas to score, but sometimes makes himself vulnerable to big hits. His playmaking ability gets overlooked, but he’s got good vision to find open teammates or make simple little plays to get the puck out of trouble in his own end.”

Continued…

Here’s the Red Wings’ press release:

RED WINGS SELECT FILIP ZADINA WITH SIXTH OVERALL PICK IN 2018 NHL ENTRY DRAFT
… Winger Scored 44 Goals in 57 Games as QMJHL Rookie in 2017-18 …

DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings today selected right wing Filip Zadina in the first round (sixth overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

Zadina, 18, was a member of the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in 2017-18, his first season playing in North America, leading the club with 44 goals and ranking among his team’s leaders with 38 assists (T3rd), 82 points (2nd), a plus-23 rating (2nd), eight power-play goals (T2nd), 20 power-play points (2nd), three shorthanded goals (2nd) and 234 shots on goal (2nd). He finished seventh overall in QMJHL scoring and led the league’s rookies to earn a spot on the QMJHL First All-Star Team and QMJHL All-Rookie Team. The 6-foot, 196-pound forward was also awarded the Mike Bossy Trophy as the league’s best professional prospect. Zadina co-led the Mooseheads in playoff scoring, registering 12 points (5-7-12) in nine games.

Born in Pardubice, Czech Republic, Zadina also represented his country this season at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship in Buffalo, N.Y., posting a team-leading seven goals among his eight points in seven tournament games. He earned a spot on the WJC All-Star Team alongside forward Casey Mittelstadt (Buffalo), Kieffer Bellows (NY Islanders), defensemen Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo) and Cale Makar (Colorado) and goaltender Filip Gustavsson (Ottawa). He has played for the Czech Republic on several occasions, including back-to-back World Under-18 Championships in 2016 and 2017, combining for 11 points (7-4-11) in 10 games and earning honors as a top-three player on his team each year. He also helped the Czechs win gold at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament with a team-leading seven points (5-2-7) in four games.

Prior to this season, Zadina developed in HC Pardubice’s junior system in the Czech Republic. He produced 18 points (9-9-18) in 20 games at the under-20 level in 2016-17. He made his professional debut with HC Pardubice by playing in two games in the top Czech professional league in 2015-16, before registering his first two professional points (1-1-2) for the club the following season. His father, Marek Zadina, played professionally in the Czech Republic from 1990-2011.

Detroit is slated to make one more pick in the first round (30th overall) and currently hold nine picks in the second day of the NHL Entry Draft on Saturday, including the 33rd and 36th overall selections.

Filip Zadina, Right Wing
Born Nov 27 1999 — Pardubice, Czech Rep.
Height 6.00 — Weight 196 — Shoots L

Selected by Detroit Red Wings round 1 #6 overall 2018 NHL Entry Draft

— Regular Season —  —- Playoffs —-
Season   Team                        Lge    GP    G    A  Pts  PIM  GP   G   A Pts PIM
————————————————————————————–
2015-16  Pardubice HC                Czech   2    0    0    0    0  —  —  —  —  —
2016-17  Pardubice HC                Czech  25    1    1    2    4  —  —  —  —  —
2017-18  Halifax Mooseheads          QMJHL  57   44   38   82   36   9   5   7  12   0
————————————————————————————–

 

Here’s Michigan Hockey’s clip of Zadina’s media remarks:

Update #4: Per Pro Hockey Talk’s Sean Leahy:

Call it swagger or confidence, Filip Zadina has it and he has a message for the Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators and Arizona Coyotes, the three teams that passed him over before he went to the Detroit Red Wings sixth overall in the 2018 NHL Draft.

“I’m telling my agent if they will pass on me, I will fill their net with the puck,” Zadina said. “Yeah, it’s just I want to prove [to] them that they have done, like, bad decision. But I’m so glad that I am in Detroit right now, so I just want to prove to Detroit that they have got a pretty good decision.”

Zadina, who led the QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads in goals with 44 goals and recorded 82 points, saw heavy speculation linking him to Montreal at No. 3 and Ottawa at No. 4, but the Canadiens decided on Finnish center Jesperi Kotkaniemi and the Senators took winger Brady Tkachuk from Boston University. The Coyotes selected center Barrett Hayton out of Sault Ste. Marie.

“It’s going to be good games for me and I’m excited for it, sure,” Zadina said about facing those teams in the future.

Zadina will have every opportunity to make the Red Wings next season given the state of the franchise. Two playoff-less seasons has the franchise in rebuilding mode and allowing him to develop immediately at the NHL level could go a long way to seeing him become an integral part of a turnaround.

“A deft and agile skater, he exhibits explosive mobility both up and down the ice,” according to Elite Prospects, Zadina is eager to prove his worth to Red Wings fans and hopes his play can one day equal that of Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lighting, whom he models his game after.

Despite some nerves, Zadina wasn’t too disappointed with ending up No. 6 overall. His just please his team is the Red Wings.

“I don’t want to call it that I fall to sixth. It’s a draft and I am in Detroit, so I don’t care what position I’m in,” he said. “I’m a Detroit player. I just want to prove to Detroit that they have done a pretty good decision, so I’m just glad that I could be here.”

The Detroit News’s Gregg Krupa also weighed in:

Zadina’s is a fine skater. He can explode with pace. His shot comes from a release likely the most accurate among the top forwards available. What distinguishes his shot is an effectiveness beyond power, because he is so often on target.

But the mortar that establishes the bricks is Zadina’s firm intention to see how he can affect the play anywhere it is occurring.

Less physical than Wahlstrom, Zadina nonetheless intends to create problems for opponents all over the ice. And his awareness and hockey sense often afford him plenty of ability to get the job done.

He will set an example for other developing Red Wings of how the Wings would prefer to play the game, with pace, all along a 200-feet line, producing offense, in part, as a byproduct of both intentions.

“It was a nervous day,” said Zadina, who faced questions about a later selection, by a couple of slots, than most anticipated. “It feels awesome. I don’t get it yet, that I’m in Detroit. I haven’t realized it, yet.”

The fact of the matter is Zadina likely heard so often that the Canadiens, Senators or Coyotes would be his landing spot, he could hardly have expected Detroit.

“I’ve heard about it a lot, though,” he said, expressing the same sentiments of many young European players. “When you play in Detroit, it’s like the best players in the whole history of the NHL I would like to get my spot on the team.”

Of interest from Sportsnet’s Eric Engels’ “Prospect of Interest” article on Filip Zadina:

Zadina’s billet family this season is the same one that took care of last year’s first overall pick in the NHL Draft.

Ash and Mandy Phillips—and their kids Ethan and Megan—played key roles in helping Hischier mature and adapt to North American life a season ago, and they did just the same for Zadina this year.

“I treat them like I would want someone to treat my son,” Ash told Mike Morreale of NHL.com back in March. “I tell them to keep their dress shoes shined, hold the door for women, always stand up when shaking hands and look the individual in the eye. Another big rule is there are no hats allowed at the table during dinner. It was a rule that my father had and I maintain it in my house as respect to him. These boys are so successful in their hockey lives that I want to teach them simple respect and small areas of living a disciplined life.”

Those are invaluable lessons to learn for young adults who are expected to be as professional from Day 1 in the NHL as 30-year-old veterans are.

It’s no wonder Hischier and Zadina built special bonds with the Phillipses.

“They were there when I needed them,” Hischier told Morreale. “They’re awesome people.”

Two weeks before coming to North America, Zadina learned the Phillips family would be taking him in.

“I was excited,” Zadina told Morreale. “Hischier is now playing in the NHL and one of the best young players in the league, so I certainly want to follow in his footsteps.”

MLive’s Ansar Khan also penned an article about Zadina…

“My shot and my skating, they are my strengths,” Zadina told media in Dallas. “I can shoot the puck, I can pass the puck as well. I’m a good player. I just need to prove to Red Wings fans.”

He said the fact Detroit is rebuilding is “probably good for me. I can get more chances to play and show the people I can play in NHL.”

Zadina will be among many prospects at Red Wings development camp, which runs from Tuesday through Saturday at the Belfor Training Center inside Little Caesars Arena. The Red Wings rank 27th in the NHL in goals per game (2.52) over the past three seasons combined. Could Zadina, 18, make Detroit’s roster out of training camp?

“We’ll see what’s going to happen, if I will make the team,” Zadina said. “I will do anything for it.”

Many projected Zadina to be selected third overall by Montreal, behind defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo) and left wing Andrei Svechnikov (Carolina). But the Canadiens took Finnish center Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Ottawa took left wing Brady Tkachuk and Arizona selected center Barret Hayton.

Suddenly, the Red Wings had their choice of Zadina or one of several highly rated defensemen (Evan Bouchard, Quinn Hughes, Noah Dobson).

Zadina admitted his surprise. It could result in a chip on his shoulder.

“I told my agent if they will pass on me I’m going to fill up their net with pucks,” Zadina said. “I just want to prove to them they did a bad decision. I’m so glad I’m in Detroit. I just want to prove to Detroit they made a good decision.”

Per Yahoo Sports’ Justin Cuthbert, the Red Wings are a first-round winner:

Detroit Red Wings

To crown a team for their selections on the draft floor is to show your own bias. As someone who does not live in junior hockey rinks, I’m without one to share.

But if you’re a Detroit Red Wings fan, though, you must be excited?

First Ken Holland was there to collect Filip Zadina, who slid to No. 6. It’s not a stretch to say that Zadina is the best pure scorer and maybe the most dangerous attacking force in the draft. He lit up the world junior tournament for the Czech Republic, put up massive numbers with the Halifax Mooseheads, and he’s already got some bite, which is always good:

Then the same thing happened again at the end of the first round for Detroit.

Joe Veleno, a player who was granted exceptional status to join the junior ranks early a few years back, fell from the fringes of the lottery, so the Red Wings spent the pick acquired in the Tomas Tatar deal to add another highly-skilled forward to their stable of prospects.

Development camp in Detroit should have some more jump, this year.

DetroitRedWings.com’s Dana Wakiji also filed an article about Zadina:

“Everybody else was probably expecting that I’m going to be in Montreal but it’s a draft, anything can happen,” Zadina said. “I was projected third, I’m going six. I don’t really care about numbers. I’m just glad I can be in Detroit. It’s an awesome team and hope it’s going to fit me well.”

However, Zadina did note that Montreal and Ottawa are both in the Atlantic Division with Detroit and he would likely be seeing them a lot.

“I told my agent if they will pass on me I’m going to fill up their net with pucks,” Zadina said. “I just want to prove to them they did a bad decision. I’m so glad I’m in Detroit. I just want to prove to Detroit they made a good decision.”

Zadina spent the day passing the time with his parents, visiting the Dallas World Aquarium and relaxing before heading to the draft.

“I wasn’t nervous,” Zadina said. “I was nervous when I get in here to the rink. It’s draft day. It was a nervous day but I was trying to chill out and not think about the draft. It was a long day in front of me but now it’s done and I’m in Detroit. It’s just awesome.”

Zadina said he has never been to Detroit but his agent, Ryan Barnes, was a Red Wings draft pick in 1998, taken in the second round, 55th overall.

“He’s told me that he’s going to take good care of me because he’s from Detroit,” Zadina said with a smile. “It is a good for me that my agent is close. It’s good stuff for me.”

The Wings posted a Zadina “hype video” as well:

Here’s WXYZ’s Brad Galli with Zadina:

The Detroit News also sent a video producer to Dallas…

With the 6th pick: The Detroit Red Wings pick Filip Zadina from The Detroit News on Vimeo.

And, from Ted Kulfan:

Playing with Halifax in the Quebec major junior league, Zadina scored 44 goals and had 38 assists for 82 points.

“We had him very high on our list,” Wright said. “We were ecstatic to tell you the truth.

“He’s not a one-trick pony who could score. He has good hockey sense, creates plays, he’s a good character kid, he competes. He’s just a very good overall offensive hockey player.”

Zadina was thrilled to be selected by the Wings.

“It feels awesome,” Zadina told the media scrum around him, minutes after being drafted. “I feel so happy right now. I am in Detroit and I don’t care what (slot he was picked). I’m a Detroit player. I’m just glad I’m here.”

Here’s ESPN’s Chris Peters’ Insider take on the pick:

6. Detroit Red Wings: Filip Zadina, RW, Halifax (QMJHL)

Draft board ranking: 3

Age: 18 | Shoots: L | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 195 | Nat: CZE
57 GP | 44 G | 38 A

Scouting report: I think Zadina has a chance to be a major contributor and could make the NHL as early as next season. His offensive skills obviously jump out, but I’ve always been impressed by the energy with which he plays, his relentlessness in puck pursuit and his commitment to doing whatever is necessary. He nearly made the Czech Republic’s team for the world championships but was one of the last cuts. He showed he could hang with pros during the pre-tournament exhibitions, a nice follow-up to his stellar world junior championship and strong junior season with the Halifax Mooseheads. Zadina does so many things well, but his ability to make plays at high speeds, transition quickly from defending to attacking and score goals at a high rate helped him secure his lofty position in this draft class. While I think Svechnikov and Oliver Wahlstrom are better scorers, Zadina is not far off. His shot is high-end. He has the puck skills to beat defenders one-on-one, create extra space for himself and give himself more options. He also has the patience to make higher-quality plays.

Team fit: The Red Wings were especially fortunate to have the two teams ahead of them draft centers because they add an elite offensive producer into the fold. Zadina can step into their lineup right away, possibly even into their top six and make Detroit a better team. I think Detroit might have preferred to go defense here, but you can’t blame the Wings for jumping on Zadina.

Here’s NHL.com’s first-round analysis:

6. Detroit Red Wings – Filip Zadina, RW, Halifax (QMJHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 3 (North American skaters)

Zadina (6-0, 196) won the Michael Bossy Trophy as the top professional prospect in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in 2017-18, his first season in North America, after finishing first in rookie scoring with 44 goals and 82 points in 57 games. He finished second in scoring for the Czech Republic at the 2018 WJC with eight points (seven goals, one assist) in seven games.

NHL.com analysis: Zadina had a seamless adjustment to the small ice from his native Czech Republic. He’s a dynamic goal-scorer from anywhere on the ice, and an underrated passer and playmaker.

…

30. Detroit Red Wings – Joseph Veleno, C, Drummondville (QMJHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 8 (North American skaters)

Veleno (6-1, 191) was the first player from the QMJHL granted exceptional status to play as a 15-year-old. He had 31 points (six goals, 25 assists) in 31 games in his third season with Saint John before being traded to Drummondville on Dec. 19. He had 48 points (16 goals, 32 assists) in 33 regular-season games with Drummondville and 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 10 playoff games. Veleno, who won 46 percent of his face-offs this season, skates well, is aggressive on the attack, and plays with confidence.

NHL.com analysis: No single part of Veleno’s game will blow you out of your seat, but he’s strong in all areas of the game. He’s skilled offensively and diligent defensively. After taking Zadina at No. 6 and Veleno at No. 30, the Red Wings appear to have done a solid job upgrading their skill at forward.

USA Today’s Kevin Allen weighed in on a pick-by-pick basis…

6. Detroit Red Wings: Left wing Filip Zadina, Halifax (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League). He’s another player who can step in and play immediately. The flashy scorer has some dance moves in traffic. He doesn’t need much room to get a shot rocketing toward the net. An accurate shooter, Zadina registered 82 points in 57 games. He makes things happen.

…

30. Detroit Red Wings: Center Joe Veleno, Drummondville (QMJHL). Known as a hard-working, high-character player, Veleno is a playmaking center who had 48 points in 33 games. He’s 6-2. Skates well. Smart. Mature. Definitely will play in the NHL. Coaches will love him. The question is whether he can be more than a third-line center.

And Allen talked “Winners and losers“:

Winner: Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland: With the No. 6 pick, the Red Wings landed Zadina, one of the most exciting offensive players in the draft. With the No. 30 pick, they landed Joe Veleno, a hard-working, high-character center who was projected to go much earlier.

Here’s CBS Sports’ Pete Blackburn:

6. Red Wings Filip Zadina, RW: Zadina is arguably the second-best goal scorer in this draft, so the Wings are pretty lucky to get him in this spot. The Czech winger is a dynamic offensive force with a deadly scoring touch. He’s got great puck control and a phenomenal release on his shot. But he’s also a two-way player with a high hockey IQ both on and off the puck.

…

30. Red Wings  Joe Veleno, C: Veleno is a guy who had the most surprising fall on draft day, for whatever reason. He’s a very good skater with skill, but he’s also not afraid to show some grit and make plays in the busy areas. He’s a smart, talented playmaker who is strong in all three zones and is viewed as a leader that makes the guys around him better.

Among The Hockey News’s Ryan Kennedy’s “Winners“:

Thanks to Montreal taking Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Arizona calling Barrett Hayton, the Red Wings are gifted with Filip Zadina at No. 6. The dynamic Czech clearly thought the Habs liked him in his media scrum and offered a warning for Montreal and Ottawa, which also passed on him: “I was telling my agent, if they will pass on me, I’m going to fill their nets with pucks.”

The Red Wings got some more good fortune at the back end with the pick they got from Vegas in the Tomas Tatar deal: Drummondville’s Joe Veleno was still available at No. 30, even though he looked like a mid-first rounder at worst. Veleno admitted to getting a little nervous as the picks flew by, but it all worked out in the end for him.

Quoth The Sports Forecaster:

Scouting Report

Assets: Is a very dynamic winger with a goal-scorer’s mentality and deft touch. Also displays two-way ability. Has the projectable size to score in the dirty areas at the highest level. Skates very well and also shows a lot of shiftiness. His shot can be deadly. Can be used in all game situations.

Flaws: Will need to fill out his frame in order to maximize his scoring output at the National Hockey League level. Is not as good a passer as he is a shooter, though he is improving in that area as well.

Career Potential: Talented sniper with good upside.

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George Malik

My name is George Malik, and I'm the Malik Report's editor/blogger/poster. I have been blogging about the Red Wings since 2006, when MLive hired me to work their SlapShots blog, and I joined Kukla's Korner in 2011 as The Malik Report. I'm starting The Malik Report as a stand-alone site, hoping that having my readers fund the website is indeed the way to go to build a better community and create better content.

11 thoughts on “Red Wings select Filip Zadina 6th overall”

  2. The Hayton pick was a surprise. I’m content with Zadina.

    This blog is pretty boring these days. I wish I could help but it’s not my personality. Where is Biv and Grrahrah with all the excitement and opinions?

  3. Zadina is such a great pick. Largely neck and neck with Svech most of the year. Don’t think I could be more excited honestly. Hoping for a trade up to grab smith since he’s sliding like he is

  5. The Wings drafting Zadina represents a franchise-transforming talent!! All of professional commentators and talent evaluators begin their explanations of his skill with “excellent.” Congrats to all involved, and good to see this big blast of good news shine on Ken Holland and crew! And Zadina will walk into a locker room full of young skill, younger skill pushing to get into the room, and a solid set of vets who have seen and done it all in the NHL, and are also great human beings – meaning great role models to guide this new, young talent. All achieved by good leadership. And congrats, too, to Coach Bashill to have Dan Bylsma join the bench. Great day for Wings fans!!!

  6. Very happy to select 3rd overall! Nice trade up ….Mr Holland.

    “i am going to fill their nets with pucks!” snipe!

  7. At the beginning of the broadcast Marc Bergevin was talking to Kenny and Kenny gave him the biggest WTF face. Hilarious! Kenny pretty much skipped up the stairs. Brought a tear to my old eyes!

  8. I’m not singing Kenny’s praises. Surprise, contrarian to the last.

    Zadina falling to Kenny made the pick too easy. I’d be impressed if he traded back up to get Bouchard or Dobson. Take a risk.

  10. As long as the KH “overripen” philosophy is history, I have warm feelings about near-term (this or next year) roster spots for both our new “Z” & Veleno.
    Pretty Good even though the remainder are like prior years & anyone who can make it is probably 3-4 years away.

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