97.1 The Ticket’s Pat Caputo weighs in regarding his preferred draft scenarios for the Red Wings:
Marco Rossi led the OHL in scoring for Ottawa, and Cole Perfetti of Saginaw was second. The skill set is off the charts for both. They are incredibly gifted playmakers. Perfetti played wing last season, but possesses classic center skills. Size is the only concern for the pair.
Jimmy Devellano and Chris Osgood are part of the Saginaw ownership group, and Perfetti knows Red Wings’ director of amateur scouting Kris Draper well as a friend. Such familiarity could lead Perfetti to Detroit. It wouldn’t be a reach.
In doing so, the Red Wings would be bypassing Swedish wingers Lucas Raymond and Alexander Holtz. Raymond is a small winger, but with an exceptional feel for the game. Holtz is the best pure goal scorer in this draft. They have held their own taking regular shifts in the AHL-level Swedish Hockey League.
All things equal, I think the Red Wings should draft a center in the first round. Perfetti would be ideal. But if Yzerman went defense, who could argue based on what has been demonstrated in the Stanley Cup playoffs?
