Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen offered an early look at the developmental curves of the Red Wings’ 2020 NHL Draft picks yesterday.
The “Lucas Raymond draft” afforded Detroit 12 player selections, and some of the players are already out of the organization, so Allen deemed it time to examine the situations of the Wings’ NHL prospects from the ’20 draft, including William Wallinder, Cross Hanas and Eemil Viro:
The Red Wings’ two second round picks — defenseman William Wallinder (drafted 32nd overall) and left wing Cross Hanas (drafted 55th overall) — are both pointed toward Detroit. Hanas (nine goals, 17 points in 30 games) made a favorable impression in Grand Rapids last season before being lost to injury. Wallinder (seven goals, 26 points in 50 games for BK Rogle) is coming off a strong season in Sweden and will play his first North American season for Grand Rapids in 2023-24. He’s a 6-foot-4 two-way defenseman.
A third second rounder, Theo Niederbach (drafted 51st overall), is developing slower than anticipated. Because he’s only 21, he’s in the maybe category.
GM Steve Yzerman dealt third-round pick Donovan Sebrango (drafted 63rd overall) in the Alex DeBrincat swap. The Senators liked Sebrango, and he’s from the Ottawa area. Considering how important DeBrincat is, the Red Wings earn some credit for using the asset.
The Red Wings drafted goalie Jan Bednar (107th overall) and he has already signed with the Grand Rapids Griffins, although he may play with the Toledo Walleye this season. He’s in the mix.
The jury remains out on Eemil Viro (drafted 70th overall). Last season, the Griffins had an overcrowded defense and Viro was sent to the Toledo Walleye. This will be an important season for Viro to show he is on the path to the NHL. Like Niederbach, Viro is a “maybe.”
Continued; I’m guessing that Bednar and John Lethemon will be the goaltenders for the Walleye, and I’m a bit iffy on his long-term potential;
To me, the player to watch is obviously Wallinder, as he’s a massive left-shooter who could be used in a two-way role; Hanas is speedy and has a good shot, and had success at the AHL level before his shoulder gave out; Viro…
Viro is in a bit of a pickle as he’s kind of squeezed out in Grand Rapids. If he’s patient, he could find his way back to the AHL, but he could probably make more money in Europe, should this year not work out for him.
