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Detroit Red Wings Draft: Meet The Late Round Picks

By John Curran |

Now that the 2015 NHL Entry Draft has concluded, and all the proverbial dust has settled, it’s time to get to know the newest members of the Detroit Red Wings’ family. Our fearless leader here at Octopus Thrower, Nate Francis, has already covered Detroit’s first-round pick of Evgeni Svechnikov, so I’m going to focus on the players Detroit selected on day 2.

So allow me to introduce you to the newest citizens of Hockeytown.

Name: Vili Saarijarvi (73rd overall)

Position: Defense

Why Detroit Drafted Him: After the Wings kept their 19th overall pick, and drafted the skilled Evgeni Svechnikov, Ken Holland and company killed two birds with one stone by drafting a right-handed defenceman. Vili might not be the biggest kid in stature (5’9″, 161 lbs), but he moves the puck out the zone quickly and efficiently, and brings a heavy right-hand shot. Saarijarvi turned some heads recently with his impressive play for Finland at the U18 World Championships.

Last season with the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL Vili had 6 goals and 17 assists in 57 games played.

Name: Joren Van Pottelberghe (110th overall)

Position: Goalie

Why Detroit Drafted Him: Because his name sounds like a character from “Game of Thrones”. Just kidding. Because a lot of people lost confidence in Jimmy Howard last season. Slightly kidding. In all seriousness though, there’s a lot to like about this kid. He’s fairly big (6’2″, 187lbs), and has been described as calm, athletic, and confident between the pipes. Said to not make the same mistake twice in a game, and possessing great rebound control. Pardon me while I wipe the drool from my keyboard. Great pick.

Name: Chase Pearson (140th overall)

Position: Forward

Why Detroit Drafted Him: By selecting Pearson, the Red Wings are starting to show a pattern of selecting bigger forwards. Chase is listed at 6’3″, 189 lbs, and plays a simple crash and bang type style of hockey. Pearson drives to the net well and jams away at rebounds and loose pucks. He’s not overly praised in any certain skill, but seems to bring a solid fundamental skill-set with the potential to be molded into a decent power-forward.

Last season with the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL Chase had 12 goals and 14 assists in 57 games played.

Name: Patrick Holway (170th overall)

Position: Defense

Why Detroit Drafted Him: Once again the Red Wings addressed their needs on the blue-line by adding another right-handed defenceman, and a big one to boot. Holway, who is listed at 6’4″, 200 lbs, could turn out to be one of those great late-round draft picks the Red Wings have come to be respected for. Patrick is described as an offensive defenceman with tremendous professional potential. He skates and moves the puck well, and plays a physical game with a big-shot. Holway is currently committed to the University of Maine.

Name: Adam Marsh (200th overall)

Position: Forward

Why Detroit Drafted Him: Acquiring Marsh in the 7th round could be one of the great steals of this year’s draft. Some projected Adam to possibly go in the 2nd or 3rd round, but instead the Wings were able to snag him with 200th overall pick. Marsh’s admitted struggles with Attention Deficit Disorder over the last year may have soured some team’s opinion of the young player. He is described as a versatile player with a ton of energy and speed. What he may lack in skill, he makes up for with a great hockey IQ and an ability to fill any spot where he is needed. Marsh should be an interesting project.

Last season with the Saint John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL Adam had 24 goals and 20 assists in 60 games played.

So there you have it, your Detroit Red Wings class of 2015. Lots of interesting pieces acquired in this year’s draft. The Red Wings are definitely shaping themselves up to a big, fast, and skilled team down the road…and I like it.

Next: Red Wings Take Evgeni Svechnikov

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