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NHL Mock Draft 2.0 has the Red Wings making a big trade to land a solid two-way forward

Some teams looking to fine-tune their prospects pool may seek to trade into the top 15 of the 2024 NHL Draft, and the Red Wings might make a swap.

By Todd Matthews

Nov 11, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner (38) and Detroit Red Wings defenseman Ben Chiarot (8) fight for position in front of goaltender Ville Husso (35) in the third period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner (38) and Detroit Red Wings defenseman Ben Chiarot (8) fight for position in front of goaltender Ville Husso (35) in the third period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports / Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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Just because the Detroit Red Wings hold the 15th pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, it doesn’t mean they need to keep it if general manager Steve Yzerman feels he can make one of those big trades that will theoretically take his team closer to the playoffs in the 2024-25 season. 

For NHL Mock Draft Simulation 2.0: Red Wings Edition, I’m taking the role of Yzerman and making that big trade in the first round. Nope, we’re not keeping the pick, and instead, a team selecting in the top five will climb back into the first round and land not one but two top 15 picks. 

But don’t worry, because in this scenario, a rather well-known two-way forward will make their way to the Motor City. And maybe they will be the missing piece on a Red Wings team that can inch closer to the playoffs if they land the right player. 

Round 1: Trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets

Red Wings acquire Boone Jenner, 2025 third-round pick for 15th overall pick (Henry Mews) and Justin Holl

It would be tough to see Boone Jenner leaving the Columbus Blue Jackets, as he’s spent his entire career in the state capital of Ohio. But Jenner is also heading into his age-31 season, and the Blue Jackets are in the middle of a regime change, so it’s long past overdue to trade him to a potential contender so he can finally get back into the playoffs. 

Therefore, Steve Yzerman makes the call in this scenario and sends the 15th overall pick, which the Columbus Blue Jackets will use to select blueliner Henry Mews plus Justin Holl. As it stands, Holl just needs to find a team that has room to give him ice time, and the Blue Jackets are one of a few bottom-feeder teams that can use him. 

Jenner, meanwhile, isn’t an elite scorer, but the Red Wings need an experienced two-way forward. And the fact Jenner has been recognized as a leader during his time in Columbus should only increase his value.

He won’t land 20-plus minutes of average total ice time with the Wings should this scenario transform into a reality. But inserting him as a third-line center who will win between 53 and 55 percent of his faceoff draws and break up plays and would-be shots on goal will immediately boost Detroit’s game when they don’t have the puck. 

Overall, this would be an easy trade to make if you’re Steve Yzerman and the Blue Jackets are looking to trade back into the top 15. 

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