Red Wings: Analyzing Detroit’s Top Prospects’ NHL Arrival

Joe Veleno

Joe Veleno needs to have a terrific training camp in order to start the season in Detroit.  At the end of last season, Veleno played five games and showed that he is ready for full-time employment in the NHL.  The only thing holding Veleno back is the lack of roster spots available.  Veleno needs to play in the middle six or he will begin the season in the AHL with Grand Rapids.  Playing in Grand Rapids for a part of one more season will allow Veleno to play in all situations.  By next year, Veleno should be the #2 center in the Detroit organization.

ETA: 2021/22

Jonatan Berggren

Jonatan Berggren appears to be ready to make the next step in his professional career.  He played exceptionally well in the SHL last season and will make his North American debut this year.  Berggren will most likely start his season in the AHL with Grand Rapids.  With so few roster spots available entering training camp, Berggren will play important minutes until management feels he is ready to make the jump to the big club.

ETA: 2021/22

Lucas Raymond

This fall, Lucas Raymond is going to move to North America to make his debut with the Detroit organization.  Unless he has an exceptional camp, Raymond would be best served playing in the AHL with Grand Rapids to start the season.  Raymond should get a taste of the NHL at some point next season, but will most likely have to wait until next year in order to be a full-time NHLer.

ETA: 2021/22

Albert Johansson

Albert Johansson is a bit behind Mortiz Seider when it comes to being ready for a jump to North America.  Johansson needs one more full year in the SHL and he might be ready to move directly to Detroit.  The left defenseman had an exceptional season in the SHL last year and should play significant minutes for Farjestad (SHL) this coming season.

ETA: 2022/23

Simon Edvinsson

Recently drafted 6th overall, Simon Edvinsson should be a mainstay on the Detroit blueline for the next decade.  Like most players drafted this summer, Edvinsson needs to get stronger so that he can handle the rigors of playing in the NHL.  Expect Edvinsson to play for Frolunda (SHL) for at least one more year before moving to North America in 2022.  He should also play an important role for Sweden at the World Junior Championships at Christmas.  Edvinsson should be a regular in Detroit’s lineup in about two years.

ETA: 2023/24

Sebastian Cossa

Sebastian Cossa was a nice surprise as the 15th overall selection in the most recent NHL Entry Draft.  General Manager Steve Yzerman moved up in the draft in order to draft the top ranked North American goaltender.  Expect Cossa to play one more season for Edmonton (WHL) before turning professional next year.  Cossa should be a terrific addition to Alex Nedeljkovic as the goaltenders of the future in Detroit.

ETA: 2023/24

Theodor Niederbach

Theodor Niederbach is adjusting to the smaller North American ice surface.  He represented Sweden in the most recent junior showcase tournament collecting one assist in five games.  Niederbach should be one of the top forwards for Sweden’s World Junior Championship next Christmas.  He will play professionally for Frolunda (SHL) next year.

ETA: 2023/24

Jared McIsaac

Jared McIsaac hopefully is healed from the three shoulder injuries that have hampered his development.  He will play in Grand Rapids (AHL) to start the season and could see some time in Detroit before the end of the year.  If he stays healthy, McIsaac should be a mainstay in Detroit within two years.

ETA: 2023/24

Donovan Sebrango

Donovan Sebrango played the entire season as an 18 year old in Grand Rapids (AHL).  He will go back to Kitchener (OHL) and should also play for Canada at next year’s World Junior Championships.  He is a very good defense prospect who could challenge for full-time employment in the NHL within two years.

ETA: 2023/24