The Detroit Red Wings selected Swedish forward Lucas Raymond with the 4th overall pick in Round 1, and now their second pick of the Draft is in.
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With the 32nd overall selection, the Red Wings have taken Swedish defenseman William Wallinder, adding to their rich history of Swedish players joining the organization.
They have two more selections in Round 2 of the Draft.
The 6’4, 192 lb. defenseman shoots left, and is the No. 47 overall rated prospect according to Elite Prospects.
His scouting report via Elite Prospects:
“Wallinder towers over the competition, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 194 pounds — there’s plenty of room for him to fill out that frame. He might be the most technically skilled skater among all defenceman in this draft. He’s a great puck-carrier, eager to lead his team up the ice, and with a great deal of initiative in creative offensive chances.”
– – Quote via Elite Prospects Link – –
BONUS CONTENT
Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman explains decision to waive Justin Abdelkader
Prior to last night’s 1st round selection of Swedish winger Lucas Raymond, the Detroit Red Wings made the decision to part ways with a long tenured veteran and home-grown talent.
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Former Michigan State Spartans forward Justin Abdelkader, who has donned the Winged Wheel since 2008, was waived for purposes of a compliance buyout.
He had been signed to a 7 year, $29.5 million contract by then-GM Ken Holland in 2015, but failed to live up to the expectations that came with that deal, and saw his offensive production dwindle almost immediately afterwards.
This past season in 49 games, he registered only three assists with no goals.
“It was really just a cost-savings for us,” general manager Steve Yzerman said of the decision. “We felt that the value of what we were paying him, we could try to save some money and replace Justin with a player making less.”
