Detroit Red Wings Prospect Focus: North American Juniors

The Detroit Red Wings currently have seven prospects, three forwards, two defensemen, and two goaltenders, playing junior hockey in North America.  Two players, Cross Hanas and Alex Cotton, must be signed to entry-level contracts this summer or they can become free agents.  Goaltender Sebastian Cossa has already signed his entry-level deal.  The remaining players have at least one more year before they need to sign with Detroit.

Here is a look at each of the players after the weekend.

Cross Hanas (LW/C)

Cross Hanas is currently 3rd in scoring on the Portland Winterhawks (WHL).  In his last eight games, Hanas has scored four goals and nine points.  On the season, Hanas has played 30 games and has scored nine goals, 21 assists, 30 points, and a +3 rating. He’s certainly giving Red Wings fans another prospect to keep an eye on.

Alex Cotton (RD)

Alex Cotton continues to lead all defense in goal scoring in the WHL.  The Vancouver Giants defenseman has scored 11 goals to lead all defensemen.  In his last 11 games, Cotton has two goals and seven points.  On the season, Cotton has played 31 games and has 11 goals, 16 assists for 27 points and a -9 rating.

Pasquale Zito (LW/C)

Another intriguing Red Wings prospect, Pasquale Zito is becoming one of the leaders on the Windsor Spitfires (OHL) roster.  He is currently an alternate captain and during his last six games, Zito has scored seven goals and eight points.  In 26 games this season, Zito now has 14 goals and 23 points with a -3 rating.

Kienan Draper (RW)

Kienan Draper has cooled a bit offensively while playing for Chilliwack (BCHL).  In his last 11 games, Draper has four goals and six points.  For the season, Draper has played 28 games and has scored eight goals and 20 points.

Oscar Pandowski (RD)

Oscar Plandowski is starting to contribute a bit of the offense that was expected when Detroit drafted him in the 5th round of the draft in 2021.  Plandowski plays for the CHL #4 ranked Charlottetown Islanders.  In his last four games, Plandowski has one goal and three points.  On the season, Plandowski has played 27 games and recorded three goals, eights points, and a +6 rating.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Plandowski and the rest of the QMJHL are expected to resume their season in February.

Sebastian Cossa (G)

Sebastian Cossa continues to win games as the #1 goaltender for the CHL #2 Edmonton Oil Kings.  Since returning from the WJC, Cossa is 4-1-0 in five games.  In 25 games this season, Cossa now has a record of 18-4-3 and two shutouts, a 2.41 GAA, and a .916 SV%.

Jan Bednar (G)

In February, Jan Bednar is expected to resume his goaltending duties for Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL).  So far, Bednar is 10-6-2 with a 3.03 GAA and a .902 SV% in 19 games.