2025 DRAFT Discussion

[HoweFan]

Sober now has Mason West and Vaclav Nestrasil in the first round. There goes two of my choices at 44. It doesn’t look like Rombach will make it 44 either. Maybe I will take West at 13 and Mace’o Phillips at 44. Phillips seems to be everything that Rombach is and much tougher.

 

[Petes2424]

There’s kind of a funny feel with Detroit and the draft this year. Think it’s because many think they’re trying to trade out of 13 for an established player. Who knows.

It also reminds me of the 2015 draft, and let’s hope it doesn’t end up that way.. Where it was confirmed to many, they were after a very specific player they ended up passing on, because of some late character speculation, and took Evgeny Svechnikov instead.

That player was Travis Konecny… Not only did Detroit buy into the talk but Ottawa did as well, passing on a kid who played Juniors for the 67s, taking Colin White, and leaving Konecny for the Flyers.

The player I think they are targeting, and who I’d take at 13 as well, actually reminds me a lot of Konecny during his junior years. High pace, a little dirt, great natural feel for the net, etc. A little bigger, but very similar in the way they play the game.

It’s also just really tough after the Top 10, to get a good feel on some things. So many teams use independent evaluations rather than service ratings now. Think it’s 9-10 teams now, who use no ratings you’ll see publicly. Detroit is one of those teams. It’s why every 2nd round their picks are usually very different than public lists would dictate.

A lot will be determined by who obviously falls to them. A lot of people are hoping McQueen falls, so they can draft a player with a true chance to be a #1 C in the league… and he does have that chance.

Detroit has watched McQueen “LIVE” more than any other team. Most teams don’t even go to Brandon honestly. They wait for Brandon to come into Calgary, Vancouver, etc. Detroit was the one NHL team, who spent a lot of time over the previous two years, in Brandon with Nate Danielson.

I guarantee there’s posts of me during that time, talking about McQueen as having the chance to be someone very special. Honestly, I’ve lost a lot of that feeling. Yes, because of the injury but more so because of his play in the 23-24 season. A lot of his success was because of Danielson, and very little of it, was from the attributes everyone raves about.

McQueen has all of the tools to be a dominant NHL C. Would they take him if he’s available at 13, to guarantee themselves a forward in the system, who if he develops properly, will be a top line C? Maybe. In fact, probably.

It’s all gonna depend on the medicals, and NOT just the basics from the combine.

I’ll say this about McQueen. If you hate Rasmussen because he’s not physical enough for his size, you will despise McQueen. Absolutely despise him. So if you’re hoping they take him because they’ll have this big, physical C, you’re going to be very disappointed.

It’s that Mark Scheifele chance that Yzerman might not be able to pass on though. He has that type of talent, even though we haven’t seen it consistently. So his upside at 13 is insane.

BTW, some managers/scouts see it that way. That they can hit a home run at 13 taking a chance on someone falling. It’s why we have so many busts in that area too.

I’m on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. Give me a player I know I’m gonna have for 7-10 years, who might not be a star, but he has a great chance to be a real good, productive player. A lot of those players who might not have an ultra-elite skill, but are all around skilled.

Personally, I don’t think he’s going to be there at 13 anyway, but if he is, it’s a big decision. He’s gonna take a few years thiugh, so be prepared. He hasn’t played a lot recently.. From what I understand, teams passed him on his basic medicals. Which tells me someone 5-10 is taking him. Boston or Philly is my guess.

So that takes us to others, who if they fall, the Wings would likely take. Jake O’Brien is #1 on that list, followed by Brady Martin. If either is there at 13, I think they’ll jump on either.

Once again, I doubt either is there, but I have heard over the last week or so, that if someone falls, don’t be surprised if it’s O’Brien, as Martin, McQueen types are solidifying their spots, and a couple kids like Aitcheson and Carbonneau are rising fast. In fact, I’ve had more than one person, tell us that both of those players are Top 10 on several team’s draft boards.

If O’Brien is there, I find it hard to believe Yzerman passes on him. Especially because it would likely mean the player they’re targeting at 13, probably went higher as well.

So we come to the 4, 5 or 6 realistic players who have a good chance to be there at 13.

Detroit has been all over Jaxson Smith this year. They’ve scouted him more than anyone else, and they love him. He’d be the safest pick if he’s there at 13.

In the history of the draft, 11-15 is where you can end up with a top end Dmen who falls because teams fall in love with offensive forwards. So it makes sense for them to target one of these Dmen, and if they’re available, jump on the pick and go home happy.. Like SJ and MIN did last year with Dickinson and Buium.

Another of those Dmen Detroit has really been connected to recently is Kayshawn Aitcheson. I’ll say right now, if he’s there at 13, and nobody has fallen unexpectedly, Detroit is taking Aitcheson. I’d be shocked if they don’t. He’s a difference maker in so many ways. Once again though, I don’t think he’s going to be there.. Not with everything I’m hearing 5 days out.

The 3rd player they’ve watched a ton this year, is Lyndon Lakovic. I’m told they really like him as a project. I’ll also be a little surprised if they take him over Smith, or the next player I’m gonna mention. I’ve been told though, that Detroit is very high on him.

The 4th player they’ve watched a ton this year, and seem to have done all the available due diligence, is …. Justin Carbonneau.

He’s the one player outside of the Top 10, who has a legit chance to become a consistent 30/30+ player. He checks all of Yzerman’s prerequisites for the forwards he drafts, and has that edge both Kasper and MBN play with. He also already has NHL size, strength and speed.

Carbonneau is who I’d pick at 13, and I can say with confidence, I know Detroit has targeted him over the last 5-6 weeks.

If they don’t take him, and the others have all been selected already, I’d be a little surprised.

A couple of other players they’ve been connected to? Yesterday I was told they’ve been doing a lot of due diligence in Nesbitt and Reschny. Whether that’s in case their player isn’t there at 13 or not, can’t say.

There’s 3 other players Detroit has done lots of work on. Sascha Boumedienne, who I think might go way higher than people think, Cameron Reid, and a player I’ve been told for months that Kris Draper just loves, and that’s Cullen Potter. I’m also told the combine got rid of any concerns they had with Potter.

Take this all for what it’s worth 5 days out. In recent years, especially last year, and in the Danielson draft, we started hearing that MBN and Danielson would probably be their pick, assuming nobody dropped.

So right now, I think they’re targeting Justin Carbonneau at 13th overall. Would I be surprised if it’s Potter or Lakovic? No, but from everything I’ve heard, before this week, it would be Carbonneau or Smith, assuming Aitcheson was gone. After this week, I’d just add, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s Potter or Lakovic either.

Carbonneau just makes so much sense with his 46 Goals and 43 Assists. He’s a natural scorer, and honestly, the only reason he’s not seen as a Top 10 pick is because he’s from the Quebec League. Which is also why I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s a surprise Top 10 pick.

Maybe why Detroit is doing all this late stage due dilligemce on some other players.

As for Potter, we should all remember, if he’d played juniors this year, he’s be a lock Top 10 in public mocks. He’s being downgraded for making the Arizona State choice. Not sure how the U18s didn’t prove to everyone, how good he actually is though. His medicals were off the charts too, for a small player. I guess people were blown away at his forearms and core strength. So nobody should be surprised if he goes 10-15 as well, or if he’s Detroit’s pick.

Like I said earlier. It’s so tough when they’re picking 13th. Who they draft, depends a lot on who others don’t draft.

Everything being equal though, as of right now, I’m predicting it’ll be Justin Carbonneau. I may change that by Wednesday or Thursday, but I think I’m pretty set. The comments I can’t get over though, which gives me a little doubt?? I’ve heard from several people that Draper just loves Potter.

We’ll see. Right now, I’m saying it should be, and will be Carbonneau, if nobody unexpectedly drops.

 

[lilidk]

From some I've read I agree.

Still, mocks I've seen have Detroit taking him.

IMO, no thanks.

Pretty sure Yzerman or Draper know already who they will take and they will not change their mind , like Holland did, drafting Zadina

 

[lilidk]

Yzerman has talked about wanting to get bigger, meaner, harder to play against and that fighting is coming back. You think he wouldnt take the 6'5, mean, talented centerman all the way down at 13?

I dont think he'll be there but Yzerman would absolutely take that type of player

I believe he said we have plenty size , just not mean and hard to play against

 

[Frk It]

There’s kind of a funny feel with Detroit and the draft this year. Think it’s because many think they’re trying to trade out of 13 for an established player. Who knows.

It also reminds me of the 2015 draft, and let’s hope it doesn’t end up that way.. Where it was confirmed to many, they were after a very specific player they ended up passing on, because of some late character speculation, and took Evgeny Svechnikov instead.

That player was Travis Konecny… Not only did Detroit buy into the talk but Ottawa did as well, passing on a kid who played Juniors for the 67s, taking Colin White, and leaving Konecny for the Flyers.

The player I think they are targeting, and who I’d take at 13 as well, actually reminds me a lot of Konecny during his junior years. High pace, a little dirt, great natural feel for the net, etc. A little bigger, but very similar in the way they play the game.

It’s also just really tough after the Top 10, to get a good feel on some things. So many teams use independent evaluations rather than service ratings now. Think it’s 9-10 teams now, who use no ratings you’ll see publicly. Detroit is one of those teams. It’s why every 2nd round their picks are usually very different than public lists would dictate.

A lot will be determined by who obviously falls to them. A lot of people are hoping McQueen falls, so they can draft a player with a true chance to be a #1 C in the league… and he does have that chance.

Detroit has watched McQueen “LIVE” more than any other team. Most teams don’t even go to Brandon honestly. They wait for Brandon to come into Calgary, Vancouver, etc. Detroit was the one NHL team, who spent a lot of time over the previous two years, in Brandon with Nate Danielson.

I guarantee there’s posts of me during that time, talking about McQueen as having the chance to be someone very special. Honestly, I’ve lost a lot of that feeling. Yes, because of the injury but more so because of his play in the 23-24 season. A lot of his success was because of Danielson, and very little of it, was from the attributes everyone raves about.

McQueen has all of the tools to be a dominant NHL C. Would they take him if he’s available at 13, to guarantee themselves a forward in the system, who if he develops properly, will be a top line C? Maybe. In fact, probably.

It’s all gonna depend on the medicals, and NOT just the basics from the combine.

I’ll say this about McQueen. If you hate Rasmussen because he’s not physical enough for his size, you will despise McQueen. Absolutely despise him. So if you’re hoping they take him because they’ll have this big, physical C, you’re going to be very disappointed.

It’s that Mark Scheifele chance that Yzerman might not be able to pass on though. He has that type of talent, even though we haven’t seen it consistently. So his upside at 13 is insane.

BTW, some managers/scouts see it that way. That they can hit a home run at 13 taking a chance on someone falling. It’s why we have so many busts in that area too.

I’m on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. Give me a player I know I’m gonna have for 7-10 years, who might not be a star, but he has a great chance to be a real good, productive player. A lot of those players who might not have an ultra-elite skill, but are all around skilled.

Personally, I don’t think he’s going to be there at 13 anyway, but if he is, it’s a big decision. He’s gonna take a few years thiugh, so be prepared. He hasn’t played a lot recently.. From what I understand, teams passed him on his basic medicals. Which tells me someone 5-10 is taking him. Boston or Philly is my guess.

So that takes us to others, who if they fall, the Wings would likely take. Jake O’Brien is #1 on that list, followed by Brady Martin. If either is there at 13, I think they’ll jump on either.

Once again, I doubt either is there, but I have heard over the last week or so, that if someone falls, don’t be surprised if it’s O’Brien, as Martin, McQueen types are solidifying their spots, and a couple kids like Aitcheson and Carbonneau are rising fast. In fact, I’ve had more than one person, tell us that both of those players are Top 10 on several team’s draft boards.

If O’Brien is there, I find it hard to believe Yzerman passes on him. Especially because it would likely mean the player they’re targeting at 13, probably went higher as well.

So we come to the 4, 5 or 6 realistic players who have a good chance to be there at 13.

Detroit has been all over Jaxson Smith this year. They’ve scouted him more than anyone else, and they love him. He’d be the safest pick if he’s there at 13.

In the history of the draft, 11-15 is where you can end up with a top end Dmen who falls because teams fall in love with offensive forwards. So it makes sense for them to target one of these Dmen, and if they’re available, jump on the pick and go home happy.. Like SJ and MIN did last year with Dickinson and Buium.

Another of those Dmen Detroit has really been connected to recently is Kayshawn Aitcheson. I’ll say right now, if he’s there at 13, and nobody has fallen unexpectedly, Detroit is taking Aitcheson. I’d be shocked if they don’t. He’s a difference maker in so many ways. Once again though, I don’t think he’s going to be there.. Not with everything I’m hearing 5 days out.

The 3rd player they’ve watched a ton this year, is Lyndon Lakovic. I’m told they really like him as a project. I’ll also be a little surprised if they take him over Smith, or the next player I’m gonna mention. I’ve been told though, that Detroit is very high on him.

The 4th player they’ve watched a ton this year, and seem to have done all the available due diligence, is …. Justin Carbonneau.

He’s the one player outside of the Top 10, who has a legit chance to become a consistent 30/30+ player. He checks all of Yzerman’s prerequisites for the forwards he drafts, and has that edge both Kasper and MBN play with. He also already has NHL size, strength and speed.

Carbonneau is who I’d pick at 13, and I can say with confidence, I know Detroit has targeted him over the last 5-6 weeks.

If they don’t take him, and the others have all been selected already, I’d be a little surprised.

A couple of other players they’ve been connected to? Yesterday I was told they’ve been doing a lot of due diligence in Nesbitt and Reschny. Whether that’s in case their player isn’t there at 13 or not, can’t say.

There’s 3 other players Detroit has done lots of work on. Sascha Boumedienne, who I think might go way higher than people think, Cameron Reid, and a player I’ve been told for months that Kris Draper just loves, and that’s Cullen Potter. I’m also told the combine got rid of any concerns they had with Potter.

Take this all for what it’s worth 5 days out. In recent years, especially last year, and in the Danielson draft, we started hearing that MBN and Danielson would probably be their pick, assuming nobody dropped.

So right now, I think they’re targeting Justin Carbonneau at 13th overall. Would I be surprised if it’s Potter or Lakovic? No, but from everything I’ve heard, before this week, it would be Carbonneau or Smith, assuming Aitcheson was gone. After this week, I’d just add, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s Potter or Lakovic either.

Carbonneau just makes so much sense with his 46 Goals and 43 Assists. He’s a natural scorer, and honestly, the only reason he’s not seen as a Top 10 pick is because he’s from the Quebec League. Which is also why I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s a surprise Top 10 pick.

Maybe why Detroit is doing all this late stage due dilligemce on some other players.

As for Potter, we should all remember, if he’d played juniors this year, he’s be a lock Top 10 in public mocks. He’s being downgraded for making the Arizona State choice. Not sure how the U18s didn’t prove to everyone, how good he actually is though. His medicals were off the charts too, for a small player. I guess people were blown away at his forearms and core strength. So nobody should be surprised if he goes 10-15 as well, or if he’s Detroit’s pick.

Like I said earlier. It’s so tough when they’re picking 13th. Who they draft, depends a lot on who others don’t draft.

Everything being equal though, as of right now, I’m predicting it’ll be Justin Carbonneau. I may change that by Wednesday or Thursday, but I think I’m pretty set. The comments I can’t get over though, which gives me a little doubt?? I’ve heard from several people that Draper just loves Potter.

We’ll see. Right now, I’m saying it should be, and will be Carbonneau, if nobody unexpectedly drops.

Sign me up.

 

[schuelma24]

I find the complete lack of mention of Eklund ... interesting.

 

[Frk It]

Yzerman has talked about wanting to get bigger, meaner, harder to play against and that fighting is coming back. You think he wouldnt take the 6'5, mean, talented centerman all the way down at 13?

I dont think he'll be there but Yzerman would absolutely take that type of player

McQueen is mean? Since when?

 

[Run the Jewels]

I find the complete lack of mention of Eklund ... interesting.

I'm guessing Petes only talks to guys who scout North America.

 

[Our Lady Peace]

There’s kind of a funny feel with Detroit and the draft this year. Think it’s because many think they’re trying to trade out of 13 for an established player. Who knows.

It also reminds me of the 2015 draft, and let’s hope it doesn’t end up that way.. Where it was confirmed to many, they were after a very specific player they ended up passing on, because of some late character speculation, and took Evgeny Svechnikov instead.

That player was Travis Konecny… Not only did Detroit buy into the talk but Ottawa did as well, passing on a kid who played Juniors for the 67s, taking Colin White, and leaving Konecny for the Flyers.

The player I think they are targeting, and who I’d take at 13 as well, actually reminds me a lot of Konecny during his junior years. High pace, a little dirt, great natural feel for the net, etc. A little bigger, but very similar in the way they play the game.

It’s also just really tough after the Top 10, to get a good feel on some things. So many teams use independent evaluations rather than service ratings now. Think it’s 9-10 teams now, who use no ratings you’ll see publicly. Detroit is one of those teams. It’s why every 2nd round their picks are usually very different than public lists would dictate.

A lot will be determined by who obviously falls to them. A lot of people are hoping McQueen falls, so they can draft a player with a true chance to be a #1 C in the league… and he does have that chance.

Detroit has watched McQueen “LIVE” more than any other team. Most teams don’t even go to Brandon honestly. They wait for Brandon to come into Calgary, Vancouver, etc. Detroit was the one NHL team, who spent a lot of time over the previous two years, in Brandon with Nate Danielson.

I guarantee there’s posts of me during that time, talking about McQueen as having the chance to be someone very special. Honestly, I’ve lost a lot of that feeling. Yes, because of the injury but more so because of his play in the 23-24 season. A lot of his success was because of Danielson, and very little of it, was from the attributes everyone raves about.

McQueen has all of the tools to be a dominant NHL C. Would they take him if he’s available at 13, to guarantee themselves a forward in the system, who if he develops properly, will be a top line C? Maybe. In fact, probably.

It’s all gonna depend on the medicals, and NOT just the basics from the combine.

I’ll say this about McQueen. If you hate Rasmussen because he’s not physical enough for his size, you will despise McQueen. Absolutely despise him. So if you’re hoping they take him because they’ll have this big, physical C, you’re going to be very disappointed.

It’s that Mark Scheifele chance that Yzerman might not be able to pass on though. He has that type of talent, even though we haven’t seen it consistently. So his upside at 13 is insane.

BTW, some managers/scouts see it that way. That they can hit a home run at 13 taking a chance on someone falling. It’s why we have so many busts in that area too.

I’m on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. Give me a player I know I’m gonna have for 7-10 years, who might not be a star, but he has a great chance to be a real good, productive player. A lot of those players who might not have an ultra-elite skill, but are all around skilled.

Personally, I don’t think he’s going to be there at 13 anyway, but if he is, it’s a big decision. He’s gonna take a few years thiugh, so be prepared. He hasn’t played a lot recently.. From what I understand, teams passed him on his basic medicals. Which tells me someone 5-10 is taking him. Boston or Philly is my guess.

So that takes us to others, who if they fall, the Wings would likely take. Jake O’Brien is #1 on that list, followed by Brady Martin. If either is there at 13, I think they’ll jump on either.

Once again, I doubt either is there, but I have heard over the last week or so, that if someone falls, don’t be surprised if it’s O’Brien, as Martin, McQueen types are solidifying their spots, and a couple kids like Aitcheson and Carbonneau are rising fast. In fact, I’ve had more than one person, tell us that both of those players are Top 10 on several team’s draft boards.

If O’Brien is there, I find it hard to believe Yzerman passes on him. Especially because it would likely mean the player they’re targeting at 13, probably went higher as well.

So we come to the 4, 5 or 6 realistic players who have a good chance to be there at 13.

Detroit has been all over Jaxson Smith this year. They’ve scouted him more than anyone else, and they love him. He’d be the safest pick if he’s there at 13.

In the history of the draft, 11-15 is where you can end up with a top end Dmen who falls because teams fall in love with offensive forwards. So it makes sense for them to target one of these Dmen, and if they’re available, jump on the pick and go home happy.. Like SJ and MIN did last year with Dickinson and Buium.

Another of those Dmen Detroit has really been connected to recently is Kayshawn Aitcheson. I’ll say right now, if he’s there at 13, and nobody has fallen unexpectedly, Detroit is taking Aitcheson. I’d be shocked if they don’t. He’s a difference maker in so many ways. Once again though, I don’t think he’s going to be there.. Not with everything I’m hearing 5 days out.

The 3rd player they’ve watched a ton this year, is Lyndon Lakovic. I’m told they really like him as a project. I’ll also be a little surprised if they take him over Smith, or the next player I’m gonna mention. I’ve been told though, that Detroit is very high on him.

The 4th player they’ve watched a ton this year, and seem to have done all the available due diligence, is …. Justin Carbonneau.

He’s the one player outside of the Top 10, who has a legit chance to become a consistent 30/30+ player. He checks all of Yzerman’s prerequisites for the forwards he drafts, and has that edge both Kasper and MBN play with. He also already has NHL size, strength and speed.

Carbonneau is who I’d pick at 13, and I can say with confidence, I know Detroit has targeted him over the last 5-6 weeks.

If they don’t take him, and the others have all been selected already, I’d be a little surprised.

A couple of other players they’ve been connected to? Yesterday I was told they’ve been doing a lot of due diligence in Nesbitt and Reschny. Whether that’s in case their player isn’t there at 13 or not, can’t say.

There’s 3 other players Detroit has done lots of work on. Sascha Boumedienne, who I think might go way higher than people think, Cameron Reid, and a player I’ve been told for months that Kris Draper just loves, and that’s Cullen Potter. I’m also told the combine got rid of any concerns they had with Potter.

Take this all for what it’s worth 5 days out. In recent years, especially last year, and in the Danielson draft, we started hearing that MBN and Danielson would probably be their pick, assuming nobody dropped.

So right now, I think they’re targeting Justin Carbonneau at 13th overall. Would I be surprised if it’s Potter or Lakovic? No, but from everything I’ve heard, before this week, it would be Carbonneau or Smith, assuming Aitcheson was gone. After this week, I’d just add, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s Potter or Lakovic either.

Carbonneau just makes so much sense with his 46 Goals and 43 Assists. He’s a natural scorer, and honestly, the only reason he’s not seen as a Top 10 pick is because he’s from the Quebec League. Which is also why I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s a surprise Top 10 pick.

Maybe why Detroit is doing all this late stage due dilligemce on some other players.

As for Potter, we should all remember, if he’d played juniors this year, he’s be a lock Top 10 in public mocks. He’s being downgraded for making the Arizona State choice. Not sure how the U18s didn’t prove to everyone, how good he actually is though. His medicals were off the charts too, for a small player. I guess people were blown away at his forearms and core strength. So nobody should be surprised if he goes 10-15 as well, or if he’s Detroit’s pick.

Like I said earlier. It’s so tough when they’re picking 13th. Who they draft, depends a lot on who others don’t draft.

Everything being equal though, as of right now, I’m predicting it’ll be Justin Carbonneau. I may change that by Wednesday or Thursday, but I think I’m pretty set. The comments I can’t get over though, which gives me a little doubt?? I’ve heard from several people that Draper just loves Potter.

We’ll see. Right now, I’m saying it should be, and will be Carbonneau, if nobody unexpectedly drops.

Thanks for your insights. I'd be very happy with Carbonneau at 13. McQueen's boom may be more than Carbonneau but the injury and natural lack of physical imposition in his game might inhibit his ultimate ceiling

I really like Ben Kindel and think he's super underrated and am curious if Detroit has done any diligence scouting him since they're clearly putting in work over in the WHL

Carbonneau is probably my 1A and Eklund my 1B. I like the former's size a lot

 

[Coach Reggie Dunlop]

The lack of eklund is not surprising, they only take swings on players like that later in the draft. Raymond was a lot more skilled and had a much higher draft pedigree, before anyone says anything. I keep telling you guys players like eklund are not how Draper and yzerman usually draft. Aitcheson is the most obvious red wing type pick since MBN, unfortunately he won’t be there I don’t think.

 

[deca guard]

WINGED WHEEL JUST POSTED A MONSTER HOUR 45 DRAFT PREVIEW LINKED IN THE WWP THREAD

 

[wingsfannnn9191]

WINGED WHEEL JUST POSTED A MONSTER HOUR 45 DRAFT PREVIEW LINKED IN THE WWP THREAD

Thank you brad

 

[RED WINGS STOMP]

Carbonneau is a solid pick, I could live with it. Aitcheson or O'Brien would be awesome as well. Wouldn't hate Carter Bear either. Feels like another draft were the Wings will end up with a useful player from the first round.

 

[deca guard]

top gun event this morning 11:30 on tsn