2025 DRAFT Discussion

[jkutswings]

What? How? Huh? Why? Detroit would absolutely never do this....

Agreed. And I think Byram could be had for less anyway.

 

[schuelma24]

If we're considering giving up premium assets for a D, I'd go after Romanov. Seems like a great fit next to Seider.

 

[Frk It]

It’s a minor standout trait, but his backhand looks Crosby/Kane/zetterberg-esque. Being able to pick a corner with a backhand can make someone scary to defend.

Also elite hockey sense and motor are standout traits. That’s the most lethal combo in hockey. The players that I’ve admired the most are guys that competed harder than and outworked their opponents, and out-thought their opponents.

I think there’s a very good chance that Bear is as good a player as Seth Jarvis. Maybe even better.

I actually think Jarvis is a really good comp for Eklund.

Bear reminds me of maybe something like Brandon Saad?

 

[USAHockey97]

What? How? Huh? Why? Detroit would absolutely never do this....

If it took less to get Byram, great. Do you think Danielson and the 13th selection will be better? If so, that’s fair.

 

[wingsfannnn9191]

This the guy you want for multiple first rounders?

I didn’t need a pie chart to tell me I wouldn’t trade multiple 1sts and other roster players for Byram but thanks for opening my eyes

 

[wingsfannnn9191]

A former 4th pick overall who is a proven NHL top 4 defenseman who could benefit from a change of scenery? Yes.

Can’t wait till whatever team gets him next wants to trade him before he’s 25 so he can benefit from a change of scenery for the 4th time

 

[HoweFan]

Danielson goes nowhere in my opinion. The 13th pick stays also. If we get an Aitcheson with it he will fit in perfectly on our blueline

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

I actually think Jarvis is a really good comp for Eklund.

Bear reminds me of maybe something like Brandon Saad?

Saad? He always reminded me of a rich man’s Abdelkader. Lots of grit and grind but enough skill to complement a scoring line. Bear has a lot of skill to complement the grit and grind. I don’t know if that’s the one I’d use. I was also shocked how Saad didn’t seem as physical in the pros as he did in junior. I thought he’d be a proper mean power forward in the NHL and that never really developed.

Eklund and Jarvis is probably closer, I’ll give you that. Either way, I’m a fan of both prospects and think they’ll both be very good, successful NHLers.

 

[Steve Yzerlland]

If it took less to get Byram, great. Do you think Danielson and the 13th selection will be better? If so, that’s fair.

When did Byram become prime Pronger is my question to you? How is he worth a haul this big?

 

[Gniwder]

I didn’t need a pie chart to tell me I wouldn’t trade multiple 1sts and other roster players for Byram but thanks for opening my eyes

Not to mention he spent half his career on IR. Multiple concussions and "lower body" injuries.

As for his stats dropping off, going from CO to BUF will do that to any player.

I'd take him, but only if he comes cheap.

 

[Holden Caufield]

What are you giving up to move up 5 really important slots in the 1st round?

Seattle looks to be hurting for top end goaltender prospects. We could be a match there.

 

[USAHockey97]

I didn’t need a pie chart to tell me I wouldn’t trade multiple 1sts and other roster players for Byram but thanks for opening my eyes

And Danielson, this unknown 13th pick and Rasmussen has shown you what? All three could be just 3rd line players.

Can’t wait till whatever team gets him next wants to trade him before he’s 25 so he can benefit from a change of scenery for the 4th time

That’s a fair point. Or we can keep a player like Rasmussen who just sucks at one place continuously.

Danielson goes nowhere in my opinion. The 13th pick stays also. If we get an Aitcheson with it he will fit in perfectly on our blueline

That’s fine.

When did Byram become prime Pronger is my question to you? How is he worth a haul this big?

He’s not Pronger but his age actually fits our core, he’s a top 4 defenseman, he’s actually available, and we need defense. I don’t want another old vet.

Not to mention he spent half his career on IR. Multiple concussions and "lower body" injuries.

As for his stats dropping off, going from CO to BUF will do that to any player.

I'd take him, but only if he comes cheap.

That’s a good point. I’m not following his injuries that closely but if they are chronic then that is a fair point.

I would also like to get him cheaper.

 

[Go Wings]

NHL Mock Draft 2025: Predicting all 64 picks of the first two rounds with Pronman and Wheeler

How will the first two rounds of the 2025 NHL Draft shake out? Corey Pronman and Scott Wheeler alternate picks in this mock.

www.nytimes.com

13. Kashawn Aitcheson LHD

Aitcheson brings the high-end compete traits that Detroit tends to crave while also being mobile and skilled with decent size, too. — Pronman

44. Shane Vansaghi C

The Red Wings add Vansaghi, a big, strong, powerful, heavy forward playing at MSU who can skate and projects as a bottom-sixer. — Wheeler

That would be amazing to get those 2. Plugging some big holes in the roster down the road.

 

[wingsfannnn9191]

That would be amazing to get those 2. Plugging some big holes in the roster down the road.

Saw zharovsky after we picked. Much rather we chance it and picked him.

Easier to get bottom 6 guys

 

[Run the Jewels]

Danielson goes nowhere in my opinion. The 13th pick stays also. If we get an Aitcheson with it he will fit in perfectly on our blueline

Yeah, if we slot Ed on the top pair, that means Aitcheson only really needs to be a second pairing guy which is a smaller hill to climb. If we want to maximize his potential it may take longer for him to get to Detroit, but I don't know that his ceiling is anything beyond being a second pairing guy.

I saw this quote from Brock Otten over on @Petes2424 OHL blog:

“I have so much appreciation for how much Aitcheson’s game has improved this year. And I say that as someone who was already a fan last year. However, I just wasn’t sure about his upside. I now have a much clearer picture of that based on his improved decision making and offensive zone play this year. He is deadly from the half wall on his offside. The timing of his cuts and pinches are really solid. There’s a place for him on an NHL powerplay as a triggerman if he keeps developing. Of course, that’s to go with his upside defensively thanks to his physicality and mobility. I see him as a solid #4 for many years in the NHL and the kind of guy NHL teams are going to covet around playoff time.” (Brock Otten)

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

Saw zharovsky after we picked. Much rather we chance it and picked him.

Easier to get bottom 6 guys

The wings completely lack good bottom 6 guys. If it were easy we’d have them.

 

[wingsfannnn9191]

The wings completely lack good bottom 6 guys. If it were easy we’d have them.

Copp is a bottom 6 guy. Overpaid but hes one. Danielson,mazur will be. Dylan james if we can convince him not to walk

I don't want to be picking "sure" bottom 6 guys with our first few picks. I want us to take more swings. We can afford to do so

 

[HisNoodliness]

Yeah, if we slot Ed on the top pair, that means Aitcheson only really needs to be a second pairing guy which is a smaller hill to climb. If we want to maximize his potential it may take longer for him to get to Detroit, but I don't know that his ceiling is anything beyond being a second pairing guy.

I saw this quote from Brock Otten over on @Petes2424 OHL blog:

I don't love Aitcheson but I really respect Brock Otten so I definitely feel a little better reading this.

 

[RedHawkDown]

will not be surprised if on the draft floor yzerman trades the 13th for a young big bodied stay at home wrecking ball dman

You jsut described a player that doesn’t even exist lol. We already have the closest thing in Seider

 

[USAHockey97]

The wings completely lack good bottom 6 guys. If it were easy we’d have them.

Correct me if I’m off here, but shouldn’t rounds 2-7 of the draft where you find your bottom six guys?

I get that you could find them in the 1st, but you are typically aiming for higher skill there.

Of course I’m leaving out swings and playing it safe in the draft especially when it come to your first round pick.

 

[stillwater]

Correct me if I’m off here, but shouldn’t rounds 2-7 of the draft where you find your bottom six guys?

I get that you could find them in the 1st, but you are typically aiming for higher skill there.

Of course I’m leaving out swings and playing it safe in the draft especially when it come to your first round pick.

So the original premise suggests taking Vansaghi with pick #44 in the draft, which is a 2nd round pick.

 

[Go Wings]

Saw zharovsky after we picked. Much rather we chance it and picked him.

Easier to get bottom 6 guys

I am not sure who Zharovsky is to be honest.

 

[wingsfannnn9191]

I am not sure who Zharovsky is to be honest.

Was looking for highlights but couldn’t find just shifts on him and this video which I’m sure some highlights will be there

Anyways russian prospect with some upside “if” he hits which is what I want. Someone can be a good top 6 player rather than yet another bottom line guy

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

Correct me if I’m off here, but shouldn’t rounds 2-7 of the draft where you find your bottom six guys?

I get that you could find them in the 1st, but you are typically aiming for higher skill there.

Of course I’m leaving out swings and playing it safe in the draft especially when it come to your first round pick.

Fun fact: most first round picks top out as 3rd liners and 4-6 defensemen. While it’s more ideal to find those guys later in the draft it’s much less likely these days. Scouting has improved exponentially the last 10-12 years and most of the players that have any modicum of success are concentrated within the first 50 picks.

 

[Run the Jewels]

The wings completely lack good bottom 6 guys. If it were easy we’d have them.

Carter Mazur and possibly Nate Danielson as a Selke caliber 3C.