Pronman ranks Red Wings as having 14th-best prospect pool

The Athletic’s Corey Pronman has never been an easy sell when it comes to all things Red Wings, so it should come as no surprise that Pronman suggests that Detroit’s in the middle of the NHL’s 32 teams’ prospect pools because they “don’t have a star” in their prospect arsenal:

The Red Wings’ rebuild is at a bit of a crossroads. They have a solid NHL roster, but they haven’t become a playoff team yet. Their up-and-coming star Moritz Seider is now a three-year veteran. They have a good prospect pool, headlined by top-10 picks Nate Danielson and Simon Edvinsson. I wouldn’t call their prospect pool elite though, despite how many high picks they’ve had, and while they have some very good forward and defense prospects, there is the question of whether or not there’s a legit star in this group.

Key addition: Michael Brandsegg-Nygard

Key graduate: Moritz Seider

2023 ranking: 8

2024 NHL Draft grade: C+

Hard grader, this Pronman:

1. Lucas Raymond, LW

March 28, 2002 | 5-foot-11 | 188 pounds | Shoots right

Drafted: No. 4 in 2020
Tier: Top of the lineup player

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: High-end
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Analysis: Raymond had a great season; he was a constant offensive threat for Detroit and led their team in scoring. He has special puck skills, with the ability to make high-skill maneuvers in tight areas at a high rate. He combines that skill with excellent offensive IQ and vision. He had a good shot and with how many plays he makes he can run a PP1 in the NHL. Raymond isn’t that big, but he works hard and doesn’t shy from going to the net. He’s not that big or fast, but he’s very elusive and has good edges. He is a legit top-line forward in the NHL.

Continued (paywall); part of me wonders what Pronman would have said had the Red Wings drafted someone like Cole Eiserman this past June, and part of me is just so happy that the Red Wings have legitimate prospects beyond the 10 he “grades” that I just don’t care what he thinks.

Take that for what you will.