ESPN’s Chris Peters suggests that the Detroit Red Wings picked their new top prospect–as did 8 other teams–during the most recent NHL draft. Here’s Peters’ take on the drafting of Filip Zadina:
Detroit Red Wings: Filip Zadina, RW
How happy was GM Ken Holland when Zadina dropped to the Red Wings at No. 6? There’s no way they could have expected him to be there, but then there he was. Zadina is far and away the top prospect in a system that is improving rather quickly. Detroit’s 2018 draft probably couldn’t have played out much better with the skill players the Wings were able to add with their first three picks, but Zadina is the true difference-maker.
Having seen what he did in the QMJHL and World Junior Championship last year, you’d have to expect Zadina to slot right into Detroit’s lineup with a chance to make a top-six impact very quickly. He has the speed, the skill and the shot to make Detroit better right away, but his ability to combine all of that with unrelenting energy is why I think he’s going to be a fan favorite for years to come. I really believe the Red Wings have a new star on their hands here.
Continued (Insider-only)…
Yes.
Ras was considered by some as a reach, as was Cholo. Ras also is kind of in transition with his position – is he a center or wing? Larkin and Mantha are out of the pool. Hronek is still small and a 2nd round pick.
Zadina is considered to be NHL ready, or his shot is. His position is clear. Definitely #1 prospect
I don’t think there’s much to debate on this topic, Zadina is in a different class.