Red Wings finish 11th in The Athletic’s Pronman’s ‘NHL Pipeline Rankings’

The Detroit Red Wings’ prospects have included a number of players graduating to the NHL level over the past couple of seasons, and as such, the Red Wings land in 11th place in The Athletic’s Corey Pronman’s “NHL Pipeline Rankings“:

Detroit’s rebuild has probably been slower than fans would have hoped, but brick by brick the Red Wings have assembled a promising group of young players in their farm system and on the big club. The star power is likely already at the NHL level, with their system being more of a great group of supporting cast types. There’s enough legit talent they’ve drafted in the first round in recent years, though, that odds are one of them becomes a premier NHL player.

2024 ranking: 14

2025 NHL Draft grade: B

Player Ranking

1. Nate Danielson, C

Sept. 27, 2004 | 6-foot-2 | 187 pounds | Shoots right

Drafted: No. 9 in 2023
Tier: Bubble top and middle of the lineup player

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average

Analysis: Danielson’s production in Grand Rapids wasn’t amazing this season, but he played huge minutes and was often highly noticeable, a trend that’s followed him the last few years. He has excellent one-on-one skills, he skates well and his ability to create chances in transition will make him dangerous in the NHL. He’s a strong passer and shooter who can make a lot of things happen inside the offensive zone. Danielson is also a diligent two-way center. I get the concerns about his production, and at some point he’s going to need to produce points consistently, but when I’ve watched him, I think his skill is legit and that he can be a top-six forward.

2. Simon Edvinsson, D

Feb. 5, 2003 | 6-foot-6 | 209 pounds | Shoots left

Drafted: No. 6 in 2021
Tier: Bubble top and middle of the lineup player

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average

Analysis: Edvinsson took a step forward, becoming a top-four defenseman for Detroit all season. He is a rare package of size, mobility and skill. You don’t find big men who can take opponents one-on-one often like he can. He’s huge and competes well, showing the ability to close on checks with his length and body and make a lot of stops. He skates pucks up ice well and retrieves them well. Edvinsson’s hockey sense is a minor issue and may keep him from putting up major point totals in his career. He could still be a great two-way top-four defender with a unique profile.

Continued (paywall); ranking ASP 4th in the prospect pipelines is…different…