Detroit Red Wings’ Top 10 Prospects in the Pipeline

The Detroit Red Wings have drafted 33 players over the last three NHL Entry Drafts.  Next month, General Manager Steve Yzerman will add 12 more picks to the stable of prospects.  Although many of these players are several years away from ever playing in Detroit, many are getting closer to achieving their dream of playing in the NHL.

Goalie draft pick Keith Petruzzelli would be on this list, however, he may opt to go back to college or he may elect to go the free agent route if unsigned by Detroit by August 15 of this year.

Here is a look at the Top 10 players who are closest to playing in Detroit.

Moritz Seider

2019 Round 1, #6 Overall

Position: RD

2021 Team: Rogle (SHL)

GP: 41

G: 7

A: 21

PTS: 28

Analysis

Steve Yzerman may have found a gem in the 2019 draft.  Moritz Seider has played professionally in three different leagues and appears ready for full time duty in the NHL.  He recently played for Germany in the World Championships in Latvia where he was awarded the Top Defenseman in the tournament.  He was also named Top Defenseman in the SHL this year and seems like a lock to play for Detroit this fall.

Signed through 22/23, ETA: 2021

Joe Veleno

2018 Round 1, #30 Overall

Position: C

2021 Team: Malmo (SHL)

GP: 46

G: 11

A: 9

PTS: 20

Analysis

Joe Veleno just finished playing a full season in the SHL.  He also played briefly for Grand Rapids (AHL) and scored his first NHL goal while playing five games in Detroit.  Veleno plays a 200-foot game and can play in all situations.  He is viewed as a middle-six center and will fit nicely in Steve Yzerman’s rebuild.

Signed through 22/23, ETA: 2021

Jonatan Berggren

2018 Round 2, #33 Overall

Position:  LW/RW

2021 Team: Skelleftea (SHL)

GP: 49

G: 12

A: 33

PTS: 45

Analysis

After two injury plagued seasons, Jonatan Berggren had an outstanding injury-free season playing in the SHL.  Berggren recently signed his entry-level contract with the Red Wings.  He will most likely  make his North American debut in Grand Rapids, but could see time in Detroit before the end of the season.

Signed through 23/24, ETA 2021

Lucas Raymond

2020 Round 1, #4 Overall

Position: RW

2021 Team: Frolunda (SHL)

GP: 34

G: 6

A: 12

PTS: 18

Analysis

Lucas Raymond was drafted by Steve Yzerman with the hope that he could one day play in Detroit’s top-six forwards. He recently signed his entry-level contract with Detroit.  It is expected that he makes his North American debut in Grand Rapids next season.  With a strong start, Raymond could easily slide into Detroit’s lineup before the end of the year.

Signed through 23/24, ETA 2021

Albert Johansson

2019 Round 2, #60

Position: LD

2021 Team: Farjestad (SHL)

GP: 44

G: 8

A: 11

PTS: 19

Analysis

Albert Johansson had a very good second season playing in the SHL.  He has been loaned back to the SHL for one more season.  He is expected to make his North American debut in 2022.  He may start 2022 in Grand Rapids or he may be ready to make the jump directly to Detroit.

Signed through 22/23, ETA 2022

Jared McIsaac

Position: LD

2021 Team: Grand Rapids (AHL)

GP: 10

G: 0

A: 2

PTS: 2

Analysis

Jared McIsaac has had two injury plagued seasons that have slowed his growth as a professional.  He has had three major shoulder injuries in the last two years.  Following months of therapy, McIsaac needs to rebound and have a healthy season playing in Grand Rapids.  With a strong season in the AHL, McIsaac should have a chance to play in Detroit at some point in 2022 and be a full-time defenseman by 2023.

Signed through 22/23, ETA 2022

Albin Grewe

2019 Round 3, #66

Position: RW/LW

2021 Team: Djurgardens (SHL)

GP: 39

G: 3

A: 6

PTS: 6

Analysis

Albin Grewe was drafted for his feistiness and as a player who is hard to play against.  His first full season of professional hockey was split between Djurgardens (SHL) and Grand Rapids (AHL) on a professional tryout.  Grewe will attempt to earn a contract with Detroit while he is playing for Ilves (Liiga) next season.

Unsigned, ETA 2024

Eemil Viro

2020 Round 3, #70

Position: LD

2021 Team: TPS (Liiga)

GP: 53

G: 4

A: 10

PTS: 14

Analysis

Eemil Viro recently signed his entry-level contract with Detroit.  He had a very good season playing in the Liiga as a junior aged player.  He also represented Finland at the World Junior Championships and should be one of their leaders in next year’s tournament.  Viro has been loaned to TPS to play again next season.

Signed through 23/24, ETA 2024

Theodor Niederbach

2020 Round 2, #51

Position: C/RW

2021 Team: Frolunda (SHL)

GP: 20

G: 3

A: 2

PTS: 5

Analysis

Theodor Niederbach split his season between the J20 Nationell and the SHL.  He absolutely dominated the junior division scoring an amazing 35 points in 19 games.  He also represented Sweden at the World Junior Championships.  Next season, Niederbach will play a more important role with his SHL club and should dominate at the World Juniors.  He will also be playing for a contract with the Red Wings.

Unsigned, ETA 2024