The Free Press’s Helene St. James grades the Red Wings’ 2020 NHL Draft class this afternoon, and here’s part of what she has to say in a subscriber-only article:
Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman expressed hope after the 2020 NHL draft that he increased the odds that “a few of them become NHL players,” by making 12 selections.
The ones that are likeliest to drive the rebuild in a few years are winger Lucas Raymond, defenseman William Wallinder and center Theodor Niederbach. They project as high-impact players, gifted skaters with elite skill sets and high hockey IQ.
They’re the primary reason Yzerman earns an A-minus for his second draft since he was named GM in April 2019. He made three trades to add to the 10 picks with which he entered the two-day event and add one more to his haul in the 2021 draft.
The 2020 class numbered Raymond at No. 4, Wallinder at No. 32, Niederbach at No. 51, forward Cross Hanas at No. 55, defenseman Donovan Sebrango at No. 63, defenseman Eemil Viro at No. 70, forward Sam Stange at No. 97, goaltender Jan Bednar at No. 107, defenseman Alex Cotton at No. 132, defenseman Kyle Aucoin at No. 156, forward Kienan Draper at No. 187 and forward Chase Bradley at No. 203.
Continued (paywall)
