Picture it: the year was 2022.
A different world, it seems. My cat was still alive, there was another family trip to Moab, UT (this year without the UTV rock crawling—we are not an adventurous family, but you only live once I said—and regretted immediately) and I was living in Avalanche country.
At the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, the Detroit Red Wings made a selection that has been on the back burner over the last few seasons. Slowly simmering away at the University of North Dakota, Dylan James methodically worked through his collegiate career.
Flash forward to 2026. James, at long last, signed his entry level contract and an amateur tryout to finish the season with Grand Rapids Griffins.
Many have discussed at length about having to wait for Sebastian Cossa to reach the NHL—as they should. However, a new prospect has entered the Grand Rapids Griffins arena that gives me pause. It seems like some fans, including me, might have forgotten about James.
Dylan James might just be what Red Wings need next season
While uncommon, there was a concern that James might go to free agency after completing his fourth year at North Dakota. On April 11, James put those concerns to rest, signing his entry level contract with the Red Wings.
Throughout his tenure as a prospect in the Hockeytown system, James has steadily rounded out his overall game.
In his media availability at the 2023 Detroit Red Wings Development Camp, James projected a confident, respectful demeanor. Despite this, he was also very self-aware of his overall game.
After receiving praise for his skating, he expanded that there are still improvements that he needs to make. He mentioned the need to skate more upright to view the ice better. There were other aspects of his game that he hoped to improve, but his approach is refreshing.
Since this development camp, James has improved every aspect of his game.
How James improved every season
Flying a bit under the radar, James hadn’t blown doors off offensively. In his collegiate career, he played in 154 games with 52 goals and 37 assists for a total of 89 points. Each season, James’ production steadily increased. The young man doesn’t take all that many penalties with only 48 penalty minutes in his four seasons. In his final season he wore an “A,” as well.
As a player, James is touted as an all around two-way player. It’s a phrase frequently assigned to most Red Wings players and prospects. Honestly, it can be a bit redundant, and even boring (especially at the NHL level). For all the things that we expect out of our two-way players, James is one of the very few to deliver on those expectations—even exceeding them.
Per the Elite Prospects 2022 NHL Draft Guide:
“…Where many players reach, he takes the extra stride to come across the hips of the puck carrier. If he can’t get the steal,, his non-stop pressure guides attacks to the permitter.”
In his short Griffins career, James has banished any doubts fans might harbor. James is an excellent skater, and just as the Elite Prospects Draft Guide stated, he still takes the extra stride. Still, James plays the right way on the right side of the puck.
Maybe James won’t shake the earth with his offensive ability. That said, the Griffins and Red Wings have skill throughout their lineup (even if that skill isn’t hard-working or consistent).
What James brings to the table is something sorely lacking in the system overall. With his consistent effort, he’s ready to work every shift and go to the dirty areas to get pucks and make plays. Best of all, he's not afraid to shoot the puck.
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