The Detroit Red Wings are counting on the young talent that they’re developing to be the next wave of the future that will hopefully lead to the success we were accustomed to for so long here in the Motor City.
Perhaps no prospect stands out more than defenseman Moritz Seider, whom the Red Wings drafted 6th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft.
Scott Wheeler of The Athletic compiled a list of his Top-50 drafted NHL Prospects, and to nobody’s surprise, Seider is included. In fact, he clocks in at No. 14:
“Would I have taken Seider sixth overall a year ago? No. Would I take him sixth overall in a re-draft today? No. But was he closer to that range than where I had him (late 20s, early 30s) ahead of the draft? Yes — and Seider proved that throughout this season with his impressive play as a teenager in the AHL and an all-star worthy performance at the world juniors. I still want him to impose himself offensively more than he does, and look shoot more than he does, and just flat out attack a little more. But he can shed some of the caution with age and experience and the rest is clearly there. He’s big, he’s strong, he uses both of those things intelligently, he’s mobile for his size, he’s got all situations upside, and he’s going to have a better ability to play tougher minutes at the NHL level than arguably any other defenseman on this list. That matters, even if his game with the puck or from the offensive zone blue line in is a little duller than his peers near the top here (which isn’t to say it’s not still an asset because it’s definitely getting there).”
However, it wasn’t just Seider representing the Red Wings on the list. Forward Joe Veleno, who was taken 30th overall in the 2018 first round (thanks to a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights) is included at No. 41:
“Veleno’s year had some real highs and real lows and the term everyone throws around in Detroit is “learning experience.” Nobody doubts his commitment to the details, nor his ability to push the pace through the middle of the ice. It has been nice to see him build some snarl into his game in the last year and a half, too. Questions do linger, however, on just how high Veleno’s upside can be, and just what kind of player he will be. He’s not really a natural scorer. He’s not a particularly dynamic passer. He’s just a good, consistent hockey player. I think Veleno will get there and be an important middle-six center. It’s going to be a slower burn for Veleno than for some other players though. Patience will be key.”
Here’s hoping that these two are indeed major parts of Detroit’s future success!
– – Quotes via Scott Wheeler of The Athletic Link – –
