There is no question about, Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman knows how important it is for him to nail the No. 4 pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. That being said, Yzerman also knows how important it is to be able to identify the “sleepers” in the draft that he will be select as the draft unfolds.
“You need some of those picks to turn into players,” Yzerman said. “If it’s just going to be we’re going to draft and count on our first-round pick playing every year, it’s going to take forever to build a good team. We’re going to need players to come in the second and third round, the later rounds, year to year.
“You’re not going to hit on every pick every year, obviously. You’re not going to hit on your first pick every year as much work as we do on it. It’s imperative, that speeds the process up.”
Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News recently released a list of 10 “hidden gems” that Yzerman should have his eye on. Here are the 10 players Kulfan listed.
Ozzy Wiesblatt, RW, Prince Albert – Wiesblatt (5-foot-10, 183 pounds) has been linked to the Wings on several draft projections and is ranked 19th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. Wiesblatt’s size scares some scouts, but his hands and competitiveness are NHL-worthy.
Thomas Bordeleau, C, USNTDP – Playing in Plymouth Township for the U.S. junior program, Bordeleau (5-foot-10, 175 pounds) was ranked 29th by Central Scouting among North Americans. Bordeleau is a smart playmaker who knows where to be on the ice and is an excellent at faceoffs.
Jake Neighbours, LW, Edmonton – Ranked 26th by Central Scouting among North Americans, some projections have Neighbours sneaking into the first round. At 6-foot and 195 pounds, Neighbours has a lethal shot and is dangerous on the power play. Speed is a drawback but Neighbours seems to get better every season.
Jean-Luc Foudy, C, Windsor – Central Scouting ranked Foudy 33rd among North Americans thanks largely to an intriguing skill set. Foudy is only 5-foot-10 and 177 pounds and didn’t have a breakout season, but you get the feeling the best is yet to come.
Alexander Pashin, RW, Tolpar Ufa (Russia) – Ranked 22nd among European skaters, Pashin is only 5-foot-8 and 154 pounds, but he has the skills and potential that has always interested Wings’ scouts. Scouts rave about Pashin’s stickhandling.
Joel Blomqvist, G, Karpat (Finland) – The Wings will draft a goalie at some point and Blomqvist is highly regarded. He’s ranked third among European goalies and at 6-foot-1 and 182 pounds, moves in the net well, although some scouts like taller goalies these days.
Anton Johannesson, D, HV-71 (Sweden) – Johannesson is listed at 5-foot-9 and 144 pounds, so he’s going to need time to grow physically. Johannesson checks all the boxes when it comes to his offensive and skating abilities but has had trouble staying healthy, and he has a ways to go defensively. Perfect Wings’ pick in the middle rounds.
Dylan Peterson, RW, USNTDP – Peterson is ranked 43rd among North American skaters and at 6-foot-4, 192 pounds, he could grow into a physical force. He’s a good skater, and isn’t afraid to use his size, but the production hasn’t been there and has yet to make a significant impact.
Theodor Niederbach, C, Frolunda (Sweden) – One of the leading scorers in Sweden, Niederbach (5-foot-11, 172 pounds) is a terrific set-up man but his speed is average, at best. Niederbach (ranked 19th among European skaters) is also coming off a knee injury, which could make him a sleeper pick somewhere in the middle rounds.
Yevgeni Oksentyuk, LW, Flint – The Belarus native played in Flint this season where he had 45 assists and 78 points. Oksentyuk (ranked 109th North American skater) is only 5-foot-8, 163 pounds, but has NHL type offensive skills, but he might not have the skating ability to make it at the NHL level.
Nation, which of these players do you have your eye on?
