I’ve been trying to figure out where I feel that the Red Wings’ 2022 draft picks fit into the prospect system of late, and it’s particularly difficult to gauge where someone like 212th overall pick Brennan Ali fits in. The 6,’ 194-pound center from Illinois dominated playing high school hockey at the Connecticut prep school level, and he had limited experience in the USHL.
As Detroit Hockey Now’s Nate Brown notes, Ali’s headed to Notre Dame this fall, and we may discern a more accurate assessment on his “ceiling” as he battles NCAA competition:
Ali is kicking off his college career with Notre Dame, but the returns from his prep career and even his brief stint in the USHL are certainly encouraging. Ali’s rights with Detroit don’t expire until 2026 when he’ll be 22, so growth between that time is certainly going to be something they’ll keep monitoring.
Director of Amateur scouting Kris Draper mentioned following the draft how neat it was to see Ali’s reaction on being drafted.
“It’s a very special moment,” Draper said. “We were excited that he was here as well. When he came around the table you could see the joy he had so it was a very special for him.”
Ali described himself as a power forward when answering questions following the selection.
“Hard to play against,” Ali said of himself on the ice. “Big, physical, fast and a good shot to go with that.”
Continued; Ali was a late-round pick for a reason, but the plucky forward hopes to become a Carter Mazur-type prospect at some point soon.
