Nothing out there beats an NHL offseason with two major events highlighting it: the NHL Draft and free agency. Of course, we’ve been talking A LOT about free agency lately, as this Detroit Red Wings team could be just one solid player signing or two away from making some real noise.
But there’s also the NHL Draft, something Steve Yzerman’s done a rather good job with when he’s picking in the early rounds. Yet with the 13th overall pick, he’s not likely to land a player who will be a star at any time over the next five seasons.
Still, he could end up taking a top-10 talent who fell through the cracks when the Wings are on the clock. And below, I got three players who could free-fall on draft day for various reasons. If any of them are there for the taking, Yzerman shouldn’t hesitate.
Victor Eklund, LW
Clocking in at 5’11 and 161 lbs, Victor Eklund is one of the most undersized players projected to go early. That could cause teams to pass on him, opting instead for prospects who carry more of a size advantage and match Eklund in skill.
That said, he did an outstanding job last season with Djurgardens IF, putting up 19 goals and 31 points in 42 games. If he can play that well in Sweden’s second-tier hockey league, then what can’t he do when he takes his game to North America?
Yeah, Eklund’s a smaller player and could be a few years from making his NHL debut, but the talent’s there. If he gets time to fill out his frame and continue to hone what’s already a dangerous skill-set, Eklund’s entering a pipeline as a top prospect.
Roger McQueen, F
Roger McQueen may’ve enjoyed a monster season, but it lasted just 17 games. Still, he put up 10 goals and 20 points in that span, and that came after an encouraging 2023-24 season. McQueen has the potential to be a hybrid playmaker slash scorer at the pro level, and that untapped potential could entice someone to pick him in the top 10.
Still, it’s never good when injuries affect you in the season leading to the draft, and that could scare some teams away. But you can’t deny McQueen’s raw talent, nor is his massive 6’5, 192-lb frame. So, if nobody else bites on McQueen and he’s there at No. 13, I’m taking him without hesitation.
James Hagens, C
Hey, seemingly every draft has a projected top-five pick freefalling. In 2023, it was Zach Benson, and last year, it was Cole Eiserman. That said, I’m not putting it past James Hagens, who never lit up the NCAA so far during his time at Boston College.
But that doesn’t mean Hagens can’t play. When I first looked at the 2025 draft rankings nearly a year ago, Hagens’ name graced the top. Then, he followed through with 37 points and 11 goals in 37 contests with the Eagles. Good numbers, but we expected better.
Hagens looks like a player who could use more development before he’s ready for the NHL or even the AHL. That could cause his stock to fall even further, so I wouldn’t put it past teams to look elsewhere once draft day rolls around.
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