Should the Detroit Red Wings trade back in the NHL draft?

The Detroit Red Wings for the second straight year will pick sixth in the NHL Entry Level Draft. Should the organization consider trading back rather than picking at that spot?

The main target for the Detroit Red Wings at six should be defenseman Bowen Byram from the WHL where he plays for the Vancouver Giants. He’s considered by many as the highest regarded defenseman in this years’ draft, just what the doctor ordered for the Wings.

Byram has excelled during his third season with the Giants; he nearly tripled his point total this season from a year ago. Last year he achieved 27 points including 6 goals over 60 games. This year things fell into place for the young defender recording 26 goals totaling 71 points and was a plus 33 during 67 contests.

Byram is 6’0 tall and plays around 180 pounds, he’s mobile and outstanding in the offensive zone, although, like many young defensemen, he will need some work at the professional level in his own end. He plays with a bit of a mean streak and also projects to be a point man quarterbacking an NHL power-play down the road.

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I wanted the Detroit Red Wings to select Byram at four in this up and coming draft if they were to pick in their expected position. The team had the unfortunate luck of falling two positions in the draft lottery, and now I expect Byram will be selected before the Detroit Red Wings picking at six. Byram’s stock seems to be on the rise; I could see Chicago selecting another defenseman as they did last season rather than a forward although picking third overall would be an excellent position to be in.

My guess for Chicago at three would be the Russian winger Vasili Podkolzin, but I would understand if they chose either Dylan Cousins or Bowen Byram. The Kings and Avalanche both also pick in front of the Wings. Although I could see both teams looking to add a defenseman, both clubs could use a top forward prospect in this position.

If Byram is there at six, it’s a no brainer in my opinion, but it gets dicey if he’s already been picked. If Byram is selected before the Detroit Red Wings pick, they could consider trading back to the teens and adding an additional pick to do so.

Next. What should the Detroit Red Wings draft board look like?. dark

If the team decided to go this route, they could be in a position to potentially draft goaltending prospect Spencer Knight or another young defenseman perhaps Thomas Harley, Victor Soderstrom or Philip Broberg while adding another pick or two to move. It is certainly something to think about, what do you guys think?

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