The Detroit Red Wings 2025 draft class may've brought in a few NHLers, and, for once, at least serviceable players beyond Round 1. For Steve Yzerman, that's a tough mission to accomplish, given his spotty drafting in Rounds 2 through 7 since he arrived back in Hockeytown.
Last night, I gave you a rundown on the Wings class so, before we pivot more into free agency, I wanted to talk more about who the absolute best picks were on Friday and Saturday, and what their absolute ceiling is with one bold prediction for each.
It doesn't mean they're all playing NHL games. For some, it just won't happen. But even if they evolve into organizational depth, they're still giving this franchise some value. Anyway, I'm done talking. Let me give you my honest opinion for each prospect.
13th overall: Carter Bear, F - Grade/A
Carter Bear gave Red Wings fans the best in a situation that saw a contingent of the base demanding a trade here. That didn't happen, but Bear's tenacious approach, productivity, and win-at-all-costs demeanor is something the Wings need more of. Bear's earning a spot on the Red Wings top line three years from today and he'll transform into a 70-plus-point forward.
44th overall: Eddie Genborg, F - Grade/A
Steve Yzerman may finally have a second-rounder who'll pan out. Genborg's 6'2, 205-lb frame is what the Wings need, and he's got a high-energy, two-way game. He'll end up on the middle-six and enjoy a few seasons scoring 40-plus points in multiple seasons.
75th overall: Michal Pradel, G - Grade/A
The Wings just stacked their organizational depth with this pick. And while Michal Pradel's about five years away from seeing NHL ice, his size, mobility, and talent are all there. He's playing in NHL games for the Wings once they spearhead into the 2030s and will factor in as the No. 2 netminder.
109th overall: Brent Solomon, RW - Grade/C
I would've gone with a more proven player here, and it's clear Yzerman picked Brent Solomon based on his potential. As far as bold predictions go, he'll end up playing high-end minutes in the AHL after a four-year career at Wisconsin. That's about as bold as I can realistically make it.
119th overall: Michal Svrcek, C/LW - Grade/A
A potential late-round steal here, Michal Svercek will show off his versatility and high-energy approach early. While he's still unproven, he's already getting reps in the SHL, and expect that to continue over the next few seasons. Svercek's never going to be more than a fourth-liner in the NHL, but he'll reach the big leagues as a 13th/14th forward.
140th overall: Nikita Tyurin, D - Grade/B-plus
Still unproven, Nikita Tyurin's got puck-moving ability and that'll help any team he plays for create sequences. His two-way game is starting to shine, but the burning question is whether it'll ever be NHL-caliber. It's hard to make that claim, but Tyurin could be a force in the AHL and pitch into the occasional NHL game.
172nd overall: Will Murphy, D - Grade/C-minus
I understand that you're picking purely for potential here, but Murphy could've gone undrafted this year and taken another crack at it next season. Still, he's got muscle and strength, but brute force doesn't always translate into one's evolution as an NHL player. Murphy is another one whose ceiling belongs in the AHL.
204th overall: Grayden Robertson-Palmer - Grade/B
He's one of those fast, high-energy skaters with limited upside but makes the most of it. Honestly, players like this get fringe NHL minutes, and that could hold for Grayden Robertson-Palmer. Since we're going bold here, why not make the prediction and say Robertson-Palmer will wear a winged wheel sweater in a few regular season games?
Overall, it was a better draft than I could've anticipated from Yzerman, given his awful habit of blowing picks in Rounds 2-7. But as you just saw, I got a few players' ceilings pegged in for at least a few NHL games, with at least two evolving into regulars with the big club.
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