The Detroit Red Wings will have the 6th pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. It was pretty much a foregone conclusion by many fans–including your humble writer that they wouldn’t move up. But at least they didn’t fall.
The Red Wings luck in the draft hasn’t been the best over the previous four lotteries. While they didn’t fall, they ended up exactly where they were supposed to be.
The 2021 Draft proves to be one of the more unpredictable once a decision is made on the first overall choice. Will it be University of Michigan defenseman Owen Power?
Outside of Power, the consensus choice isn’t as straightforward as it has been in years past. Unlike the 2016 Draft with Auston Matthews and then Jack Eichel, or last year’s featuring Alexis Lafreniere, Quinton Byfield, and Tim Stutzle. Described by many analysts as unpredicatable, it remains to be seen what the order will be or even how many general managers might be willing to gain future capital by moving down in the draft to do so.
Draft Rankings Favor Power as the Clear #1
Dobber Prospects’ Tony Ferrari had University of Michigan forward Matthew Bernier as his top choice in the draft class back in March. TSN’s Bob McKenzie and Craig Button both had Power as their #1. The Athletic’s Corey Pronman did an in-depth piece on Power that showed the appeal to have him go as the first overall pick. Though McKenzie and Ferrari’s pieces were mid-season, there might not be too seismic of a change over the past two months. Power seems to be the unanimous choice at this point to go first.
Where do the Red Wings Go From Here?
At this pick, it’s pretty much a crapshoot as to who the Red Wings choose. If Jesper Wallstedt is available, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Yzerman take a big swing at Swedish prospect. He fits the profile of the goaltender Yzerman is comfortable with. Then again, do any of us really know what Steve Yzerman will do?
The positive is Detroit didn’t move down. But it’s incredible how with one extra team, and one less pull, the chaos calms.