NHL.com’s Dave Hogg posted an article this evening which profiles Red Wings 2022 draft pick Dylan James. The Red Wings picked the 6,’ 181-pound left wing higher than most had him ranked at 40th overall this past July. James told Hogg that he’s more of a two-way player than an offensive star, despite having won a USHL championship on the heels of a 61-point season with Sioux City:
“I take a lot of pride in being a two-way player,” James said. “Most of my offense is going to come from my defense. I think speed is my best skill. I can use it on the forecheck to limit the other team’s time and space. I love doing that.”
James was named rookie of the year in the United States Hockey League last season after he had 61 points (28 goals, 33 assists) in 62 regular-season games with Sioux City and eight points (five goals, three assists) in 10 playoff games to help win the Clark Cup.
“That was an unreal experience,” James said. “Winning a [championship] is obviously good for your confidence and the team’s confidence.”
The Red Wings selected James in the second round (No. 40) of the 2022 NHL Draft.
“We’re really excited about him, because he plays a 200-foot game and we can use him in all situations,” Red Wings director of amateur scouting Kris Draper said. “He doesn’t score a ton of goals, but he scores big goals. He comes through when his team needs him.”
Hogg continues; James looked pretty darn raw when he took part in the Wings’ summer development camp, but the University of North Dakota-bound forward was snagged very early by the Wings because they believe he’s got more to give.
