The most logical picks for the Red Wings each round make up 2024 NHL Mock Draft 1.0
With the 2024 NHL Draft fast approaching, it’s time for the first mock draft of the season. Who should Steve Yzerman take, and with which pick in 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.
Round 3: Carson Wetsch, RW/Calgary Hitmen
Carson Wetsch also brings an ideal build, and this time, I managed to land one of the better players left in Round 3, who also happens to play winger. Last season, Wetsch put up 25 goals for the Calgary Hitmen, and he did this in his age-17 season. No, he won’t be in Detroit for a while if such a scenario occurred in real life, but Wetsch has upside and a lot of time to develop.
Round 4: Noa Vali, G/TPS
Sooner than later, I knew at least one pick must be used on a goaltender, and Noa Vali topped the draft board. At 19, he’s an older prospect, and although he has nowhere near ideal size (6’1, 160 lbs), Vali looked great whether in U20 SM-sarja or Liiga, the latter of which he saw an 0.870 save percentage, a 2.87 GAA, and two shutouts. Not bad for a goaltender his size and one who should develop further when he’s presumably playing full-time in Liiga next season.
Round 5: Peter Repcik, C/Drummondville Voltigeurs
Peter Repcik’s versatility is one reason I saw him as a good value pick, and like many players on this list, he’s also grown well into his frame at 6’0, 192 lbs. Following a couple of so-so seasons in the QMJHL, Repcik broke out in 2023-24, scoring 36 goals and 75 points in 68 regular seasons and playoff contests. There’s a good chance that whoever drafts Repik just got a potential late-bloomer.
Round 6: Jonas Taibel, LW/Rapperswil U20
I wanted to get one more versatile forward before this draft ended, and Jonas Taibel, despite a need to grow more into his frame, brings sound potential. He played for a season in the QMJHL before returning to Europe, where he was a bit of a journeyman. However, his play for Switzerland at the international level was worth watching, and he was respected enough as a player to be a captain for the national team.
Round 7A: Jan Spunar, G/Portland Winterhawks
Jan Spunar, an older prospect who will be AHL-eligible this season and following a stellar year with the Portland Winterhawks, could be a dark horse to end up at the pro (AHL) level for whichever team takes him. He logged a 0.913 save percentage or better in the regular and postseason this past year, his GAA never crept over 2.32, and the 19-year-old recorded three shutouts.
Round 7B: Finn Harding, D/Mississauga Steelheads
I was beyond surprised to see Finn Harding sitting here later in the seventh round, and once again, it didn’t take long for me to make a decision on the 6’1, 183-pound 19-year-old. He doesn’t have the same productivity as many of the top defensemen, but Harding can also play another two seasons in Mississauga to continually hone his game and work his way to the next level.
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(Statistics provided by Elite Prospects)