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.