Updated at 1:49 AM: Daily Faceoff’s prospect guru, Steven Ellis, graded the 2026 NHL Draft performances of each and every one of the NHL’s 32 teams, and he gave the Red Wings a very solid mark:
Detroit Red Wings: B+
Notable picks: J.P. Hurlbert, Victor Plante, Michal Orsulak
The Red Wings snagged a skilled winger in J.P. Hurlbert in the first, a smart playmaker in Victor Plante in the second and one of the CHL’s top goalies in Michal Orsulak in the third. I feel like Orsulak was taken a bit earlier than I would have liked, but I appreciate that Detroit has made it their mission to draft a goalie every year. That’s the type of move that pays off, either in the long-run or in the trade market (like with Cossa). I’m not convinced any of the three are impact NHLers, which is why I am leaving this at a B+, but that’s still solid.
That's a wrap! pic.twitter.com/OwKxxiSVZN
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) June 27, 2026
Update: ESPN’s Rachel Kryshak gave the Wings a “B” as well:
Detroit Red Wings
Grade: BTurning Sebastian Cossa into JP Hurlbert and adding Victor Plante in the second round is good work for the Red Wings. I really liked the uniting of the Plante brothers in the organization.
With Cossa going out, the Red Wings adding [goaltender] Michal Orsulak makes a lot of sense. He’s great value in the third round.
Beckham Edwards in the fifth round was another nice selection. He slipped in rankings through the season but profiles as a depth NHL player, which presents decent value.
Overall, the Red Wings did fairly well with what they had, not getting high-end value anywhere but adding players with legitimate NHL upside.
