Detroit Red Wings Prospect Focus: North American Juniors

The Detroit Red Wings currently have seven prospects playing in the juniors in North America.  Each of these players are playing at a high level and are considered serious prospects that may one day play professionally in the Detroit organization.  Currently, Sebastian Cossa is the only  North American junior prospect under contract with the Red Wings.  Several more may follow in Cossa’s footsteps.

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

Cross Hanas (LW/C)

Cross Hanas is absolutely tearing up the WHL while leading the high-flying Portland Winterhawks (WHL) to a 9-1-0 record over their last 10 games.  Prior to Saturday’s 3-2 loss to Spokane, Hanas had scored six goals, 11 assists, 17 points, and a +14 rating during his previous six games.

For the season, Hanas leads all Red Wings prospects and is currently 14th in scoring in the WHL.  In 41 games, Hanas has now scored 18 goals, 37 assists, 55 points, and a +19 rating.  There is no doubt that Detroit General Manager Steve Yzerman will sign Hanas to an entry-level contract before his signing deadline this summer.

Sebastian Cossa continues to provide a strong presence in goal for the powerful Edmonton Oil Kings in the WHL.  During his last seven games, Cossa has a record of 5-2-0 while lowering his GAA.  In 32 games, Cossa now has a record of 23-6-3 with a 2.34 GAA, five shutouts, and a .914 SV%.

Jan Bednar has resumed playing after a lengthy QMJHL shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada.  In three games since his return, Bednar is 2-0-1 while lowering his GAA and improving his SV%.  In 22 games, Bednar now has a 12-6-3 record with a 2.97 GAA, two shutouts, and a .903 SV%.

Kienan Draper is now 3rd in scoring for all of Detroit’s prospects.  In his last 11 games, Draper had six goals, nine assists, and 15 points.  For the season, Draper has played 39 games and has now scored 14 goals, 21 assists, and 35 points.

Alex Cotton has really cooled off after his trade to Vancouver (WHL).  In his last seven games, Cotton only has two assists.  On the season, Cotton has played 38 games and remains at 11 goals, and now has 18 assists, 29 points, and a -17 rating.  Cotton will need a strong finish to his season if he wants an entry-level contract with Detroit prior to his signing deadline this summer.

Pasquale Zito returned after a five-game suspension while playing for Windsor (OHL).  In his last four games, Zito had two assists.  In 30 games this season, Zito now has 14 goals, 11 assists, 25 points, and a -4 rating.

Oscar Plandowski has resumed his season in the QMJHL after a COVID-19 shutdown.  In his last four games, Plandowski had one goal and three assists.  In 31 games, Plandowski has now scored four goals, eight assists, 12 points, and a +13 rating.