The wait is finally over!
With the No. 6 pick in the 1st Round of the 2019 NHL Draft, the Detroit Red Wings have selected defenseman Moritz Seider.
Steve Yzerman’s first pick as GM of the Red Wings: Moritz Seider
— Max Bultman (@m_bultman) June 22, 2019
From The Hockey Writers:
Seider has had an incredible draft-eligible year. Playing with Adler Mannheim in the German top-ranked DEL, the right-handed rearguard scored two goals and six points. That total is the second-most ever by a U18 defender in the league. Despite a shoulder injury that sidelined him, he seemed to only get better as the season went on and into the playoffs. He helped Adler Mannheim to a DEL Championship title, collecting five assists in 14 games while finishing plus-six. He was also named Rookie of the Year.
Internationally, Seider stood out as well and raised his stock in every tournament. First playing in the 2019 U20 World Championship (D1A), the defenseman captained the German team and had a goal and seven points in six games, leading the team to a gold medal. He tied for second in the tournament for points and was named the Best Defenseman.
At the 2019 World Championship, Seider went in without much excitement. That was largely due to the fact that two other 2019 draft eligible prospects were also playing in the men’s tournament, Jack Hughes and Kappo Kakko. Being one of three draft-eligible prospects to play in the championship is impressive and Seider played well, scoring two goals and holding his own defensively.
Seider played a full season in a men’s league, and then looked comfortable at the World Championship. That’s experience that NHL should hold in high regard come draft day. Some scouts say that Seider may be a bit more raw in terms of skill right now compared to other prospects, but he has tremendous upside that will be hard to ignore.
He already has NHL size, he’s a great passer, a good skater, and can win battles along the boards. What might be most impressive is his defensive game. Seider seems to remain calm in all situations and make the right decision to get the puck out of his own end. Many defenders at this stage in their careers need to focus on their defending ability, and while there’s room to improve, the German prospect is starting at a very advanced stage.
Whether he’s the second defenseman taken at the draft or the seventh, Seider might be jumping to the NHL faster than most. He’s already got the experience against men, the recipe for winning and the skill to make the leap. He’ll likely play a season in junior (the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack hold his rights) or even in the AHL. He looks to be ahead of the curve for the development of a defenseman, and his selection on draft day should reflect that.
The Red Wings finished the 2018-2019 regular season with the fourth-worst record in the NHL but when it came to the Draft Lottery, they did not have luck on their side. Rather than potentially moving up, the Red Wings moved down to No. 6.
As far as the No. 1 overall pick, it was no surprise when the New Jersey Devils selected Jack Hughes.
