The most logical picks for the Red Wings each round make up 2024 NHL Mock Draft 1.0

The Detroit Red Wings have eight picks in the 2024 NHL Draft, and each selection gives them a chance to either land a future NHL star or a major draft steal. We know this because the mock draft simulation via FC Hockey left someone more than worth snagging in each round, and as a result, it set the stage for a solid Mock Draft 1.0. 

My first pick was more than surprising, as I figured they would be gone when I drafted in the middle of the first round. But the same went for my second-round pick, while I also managed to acquire quite a few value selections in the middle-to-late rounds. 

So, who “became” the latest Red Wings in 2024 NHL Mock Draft 1.0, and what were my justifications for picking them where I did? Let’s start with one of the better blueliners in the draft who I would be shocked to see last until the middle of Round 1 in real life. 

Round 1: Carter Yakemchuk, D/Calgary Hitmen

I took the imposing, high-scoring, two-way blueliner without hesitation. With such a weak defensive rotation right now in the Motor City, someone like Carter Yakemchuk would provide a lot of help within the next three seasons, joining a rotation that will include Simon Edvinsson. 

Round 2: Cole Beaudoin, C/Barrie Colts

It was also good to see another highly productive player with elite size fall to Detroit in the second round, and much like with Yakemchuk, it took little thought to roll with Cole Beaudoin. While a high-scoring winger would be preferred, the jump in productivity and overall size that Beaudoin brings was too good to pass up.