Detroit Red Wings Draft Review

The Detroit Red Wings entered the 2020 Draft with all their own picks in each round as well as 2 additional picks in the 5th round. They ended up walking away with an additional 1st and 2nd round pick in this draft. Detroit's gameplan coming into the draft was to replenish their prospects at the forward position.

With the 16th pick, Detroit knew most likely 1 of their 3 targets would be there at 16. To their surprise, all 3 guys were still sitting there at 16. The Wings were heavily leaning towards two of them more but which one? That's when they sent a text over to their main Scout Jack Mehoff. Jack talked it over with his good buddy and fellow scout Holden Makok and they both agreed and who the pick should be. 

With the 16th pick in the draft, the Detroit Red Wings Selected (RW/C) Dawson Mercer 

The scouts liked what they saw in him because he's a jack-of-all-trades type of player. He has a strong defensive IQ but can also beat you if needed in a 1 on 1 situation. Last season he ended the shortened season with 60 points in 42 games and the Wings envision him as a top 2 Center with a strong 2-way game. 

The Wings had a pre-draft trade in the works with Colorado and when they touched back as pick 21 rolled around the Wings knew they had to pull the trigger. The Wings sent Drouin who had been with the Wings since Day 1 packing to Colorado for pick #21. Detroit was excited sitting there was the guy they were choosing between a few picks earlier at 16. Drouin is hard to lose especially since the Wings are looking to be a contender come this season but they knew they had a chance to add a top prospect while also moving out a huge salary and someone they weren't going to be able to protect come the expansion draft. 

With the 21st pick in the draft, The Detroit Red Wings Selected (C) Connor Zary

What scouts liked about Zary was his hands, he can make skilled plays in stride and also protects the puck really well in the cycle game. His skating is not great, he isn't slow but if he can improve in that department and it will go along way in cementing him into a 2nd line player. Wings management feels this is something that can be worked on with skating coach Sergei Fedorov. Zary finished last season with 86 points in 57 games. 

With the 47th pick in the draft, The Detroit Red Wings Selected (D)Ryan O'Rourke

A solid 2-way defender who wreaks havoc on players while also being able to create plays offensively. He has all the tools to be a good puck-moving defender. He doesn't have elite passing or speed but seems to be in the right sports at the right time.  Was named captain at 17rs old for Sault Ste. Wings envision him with a solid chance of being a future top 4 defender. O'Rourke finished last season with 37 points in 54 games while posting a plus 16. 

With the 53rd pick in the draft, The Detroit Red Wings selected (C) Vasily Ponomarev

This pick had the work of scouts Stu Padaso and Hugh Johnson written all over it. They love their Russians!

The Wings were trying so hard to make a move to be able to draft him and put they put a feeler out for a 2nd round pick and the Carolina Hurricanes jumped on the offer that was put on the table. GM Lacy was offered Sheary a 4th and a 5th to move back into the 2nd round. The Wings had penciled in Sheary on their 3rd this coming season so that is something that they will have to replace this offseason. For the Hurricanes they just got scarier with their depth upfront. 

Ponomarev is a doing all center who is also flashy, short in stature but plays a hard game. A strong stick handler and quick on his skates should help him find a permanent home in the future. He's always done really well playing for Russia as he has been a point per game type of player while playing for the Motherland. Last season for Shawinigan he posted 49 points in 57 games and should see those numbers climb up this season. 

With the 78th pick, The Detroit Red Wings Selected (G) Nico Daws

The Wings were able to select the top-ranked North American goalie according to Central Scouting. Daws had a monster year with the Guelph Storm with a record of 23-8-6 while posting a 924 save % and a 2.48 GAA. The Wings see Daws as a long-term project who could one day possibly be a reliable backup for Hellebuyck or possibly take over the reins one day. 

With the 140th pick in the draft, The Detroit Red Wings Selected (LW) Antonio Stranges

Last year there was serious talk about Stranges possibly going in the 1st round of the 2020 draft. He has dazzling puck skills and quick moves in open ice and can create chances even though his shot isn't powerful. However, the points didn't come this season and his defensive game was awful which is why he fell so far. The Wings are luckily enough that they can take a gamble with him and hope he pans out. 

The Wings Brass is definitely excited about their 2020 picks and can't wait to see them make the jump to the Champs (Griffins) and eventually to the big club with the Wings.