#10- Alex Cotton-RD
Age: 20
Draft: 2020 round 5 #132 overall
Current Team: Vancouver (WHL)
Status: Unsigned (Must be signed by June 2022)
Alex Cotton has been terrific offensively since his trade to Vancouver (WHL). For his junior career, the right-shooting defenseman has played 171 games and appears ready to sign his entry-level contract with the Red Wings. This year, Cotton has played 25 games and has scored 11 goals and 25 points with a -6 rating. Cotton will play the remainder of this season in the WHL. He must be signed by the Red Wings by June 2022 or he will be a free agent.
#11- Cross Hanas-W/C
Age: 19
Draft: 2020 round 2 #55 overall
Current Team: Portland (WHL)
Status: Unsigned (Must be signed by June 2022)
Cross Hanas has also been excellent in his final season of WHL hockey. For his career, Hanas has played 161 games in the WHL. This year, Hanas has appeared in 28 games for Portland, registering eight goals and 27 points with an even +/- rating. Hanas will play the remainder of this season in the WHL. Similar to Cotton, Hanas must be signed by the Red Wings by June 2022 or he will be a free agent.
#12- Liam Dower Nilsson-C
Age: 18
Draft: 2021 round 5 #134 overall
Current Team: Frolunda HC (SHL/J20 Nationell)
Status: Unsigned (Must be signed by June 2025)
Liam Dower Nilsson is having a very good season playing in the J20. He has also suited up for seven SHL games but, has been used sparingly. This season, Dower Nilsson has played 17 J20 games and has scored seven goals and 19 points with a +3 rating. Dower Nilsson will likely continue to play at both levels throughout the remainder of this season with the hope of making a full-time jump to the SHL next year. Detroit will keep an eye on Dower Nilsson and hopefully he continues to develop into one of Detroit’s top prospects in a year or two.