Top 5 forward prospects for Red Wings fans to know before the 2024 NHL Draft

Andrew Basha, F/Medicine Hat

Andrew Basha doesn’t carry as much size as Michael Hage, but he’s not far off at 6’0, 185 lbs. And he’s got far more experience, having played nearly 180 regular season games for the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers. He’s since grown into a star, from posting a meager 14 points and five goals in 48 regular season contests in 2021-22 to 85 points and 30 goals in 63 games this past season. 

Even more impressive is the fact Basha went on a point-per-game run not only in the playoffs this season but also last year, totaling nine points and six goals. So it makes you wonder what Basha will do in what should be his final season in the WHL - Hint: Don’t be surprised if he hits two points per game and, at minimum, 1.5 points per. 

Per Tankathon, Basha’s NHL equivalent points pace sat at 33.4, not bad for a kid they had going 21st overall to the Los Angeles Kings in the latest mock. With an early birthday and the fact Basha will have completed four seasons in the WHL this time next year, expect him to land in the AHL for the 2025-26 season. If Steve Yzerman wants to see faster returns for his first-round pick, Basha will be that player.