Mock Draft Take 2: Who should the Red Wings take at #6?
By Nate Brown
Chaz Lucius – C
Why Yzerman picks him over other prospects available: High IQ centerman who has elite skills. If the Red Wings are looking to cure their scoring woes. Alex wrote about him awhile back being a “surprise” pick at six. Here’s why:
"A vast majority of Lucius tape consists of impressive shots from almost any point on the ice. However, lost in the craze about his scoring ability is his overall offensive skill set. While his skating will probably force a team to pass over him in the top ten (Not especially skilled or speedy for so high in the draft), his stick handling, hands and vision with the puck make up for it"
McKenzie has him tagged as the tenth best player in the draft while Pronman has him going 16th in his latest mock draft. Scott Wheeler has him ranked eighth in terms of prospects. This would hardly be considered a reach.
Why Yzerman passes on him: They want the 200 ft guy and Lucius’ biggest improvement would have to come there. However, it’s not as if this is a glaring weakness that sends him down the board. Held up to a McTavish, I would argue that Yzerman goes with McTavish instead. But Lucius will certainly cause some cognitive dissonance if all are still there.
Fabian Lysell – RW
Why Yzerman picks him over other prospects available: Unbelievable skill and potential is high. His speed and ability to hamper opposing defenses fits the type of top end skill/speed combo that Yzerman likes to have on a team. He’s also been climbing in the rankings, sitting 14th in McKenzie’s final standings.
Why Yzerman passes on him: This could be considered a reach still. Lysell still has the ability to “frustrate” according to the Athletic’s Corey Pronman which might be more suited for the 23rd pick where they can give him time to figure things out. He’s also a wing, and I feel like if Yzerman is going to go forward, he’s either going center or taking a guy that can play both wing and center.