The Pursuit of Laine & Red Wings Draft Targets
Should the Detroit Red Wings inquire about a trade for Blue Jackets' forward Patrik Laine? What defenseman should the team look at in the NHL Draft. Liam Greentree could be high on their draft board.
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Red Wings 2024 Draft Targets: 5 Defensemen
June 19, 2024 by Devin Little
The 2024 NHL Draft is just under two weeks away and teams are beginning to make their final preparations for the yearly event. The Detroit Red Wings are no different, but their standing heading into the draft is a lot different than it has been in years past.
Not only did the Red Wings finish just outside of the playoff picture this season, but their prospect pool has also as deep as any in the NHL. Their first pick in this year’s draft comes outside of the top-10, marking the first time since 2016 that has been the case. A handful of prospects are expected to push for roster spots next season, and that should start to become an annual occurrence as their prospect pool continues to yield NHL talent.
Red Wings Should Pursue Trade For Patrik Laine
June 19, 2024 by Evan Sabourin
Former Detroit general manager – and current Edmonton Oilers GM – Ken Holland made the term “kick the tires” quite popular during his 22 years at the helm in Motown. He often used it to refer to free-agent signings or possible trades that would help bolster the club.
This phrase is still in play as current Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman looks to improve a roster that just (barely) missed the playoffs for a franchise record eighth consecutive season. Yzerman will have his hands full this summer, and he’ll be harsh on those rubber wheels this offseason.
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Detroit Red Wings’ 2024 First-Round Draft Targets – Liam Greentree
June 20, 2024 by Jordan Orth
The Detroit Red Wings will pick 15th in the 2024 Draft, the lowest selection they have earned since the 2016 Draft (20th overall after trading from the 16th pick with the then-Arizona Coyotes) when they selected defenseman Dennis Cholowski. While the Cholowski pick did not work out as hoped, the organization has had some luck with the 15th overall pick over the last ten drafts, landing both captain Dylan Larkin (2014) and goaltender Sebastian Cossa (2021).
Heading into this year’s draft, general manager Steve Yzerman finds himself in a good position, boasting one of the league’s best pipelines. Having this in his back pocket means he could pick a player who could be seen as a luxury or a project, and there is one player, if available, Yzerman would likely be very happy to select, who fits the mold as a strong two-way player with a relentless motor and work ethic. That player is Liam Greentree from the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
