The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan has issued a top 10 list of the Red Wings’ best prospects via a subscriber-only article, and his list is headlined by two players who will fight for roster spots this upcoming season:
Moritz Seider, defenseman
►Selected: 2019, first-round (sixth overall)
►2020-21 stats: Rögle (SEL): 41 games, 7 goals, 28 points.
►The skinny: When was the last time a Wings’ prospect has been so eagerly anticipated by Wings’ fans? Almost since the day Seider was drafted, fans have been wanting to see the mobile, physical 6-foot-4 defenseman in the NHL.
They’ll get their wish this season, likely right out of training camp. Seider, 20, was the the best defenseman in the Swedish League last season. There isn’t a prospect ranking out there that doesn’t have Seider in the top-3 players outside of the NHL.
Lucas Raymond, forward
►Selected: 2020 first-round (fourth overall)
►2020-21 stats: Frölunda (SEL): 34 games, 6 goals, 18 points.
►The skinny: Raymond’s season was cut short by an elbow injury. But during his time in Frolunda’s lineup, Raymond showed the explosiveness, creativity, shot, and two-way ability that make him one of the top forward prospects not currently playing in the NHL.
Raymond’s lack of action over the last two seasons will likely necessitate some time in Grand Rapids this season, while also familiarizing himself with North American hockey. But the expectation is Raymond will be a dynamic NHL player at some point.
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