If there’s something Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman must get better at, it’s finding quality talent in Rounds 2 through 7. Not that there aren’t a few notable names in the prospect pipeline, but he could’ve done a better job overall than he has.
Luckily for Yzerman, there’s one prospect who caught my eye, and they should be there when the Wings are on the clock in Round 2. There are a few things I like about Nathan Behm, but his age and size jump out.
Behm is one of the draft’s younger players, which gives him extra time to develop. But he also carries ideal, NHL-ready size.
This isn’t to say Behm is a hidden gem who will see NHL ice anytime soon. Far from it, especially when you consider Tankathon has him ranked 50th on their big board as I write this. Expect him to take a more conventional route, and possibly not see ice time with a big club until his age-22 or 23 season.
What makes Nathan Behm stand out from other second-round prospects?
For one, the Kamloops product is a solid 6’2, 198 lbs. If he stepped into an NHL rink tomorrow, he’s got the size to match up well, even if his skill-set would show otherwise. For now, at least.
Behm is also a right-shot winger who’s versatile enough to play on either side, so consider that an added bonus. Earlier, I said he has a later birthday, having turned 18 in April, and that gives him more time to grow into his game.
He also showed substantial improvement this season for the Blazers in the WHL, ending the year with 66 points and 31 goals in 59 games, a 35-point and 19-goal increase from the previous season, in which he appeared in 68 contests.
This season, Behm should take over the WHL. And if he does, the Wings or whoever takes him will know they likely drafted a steal in the second round.
Where would Behm fit if the Red Wings drafted him?
Like I said, Behm’s taking the more conventional route, and he’ll play at least one more season for the Blazers, if not two. Expect him to burst into the AHL for his age-20 season, where he’ll spend at least another two years, further refining his frame while fully growing into his size.
Like Lynden Lakovic, Behm has the size to evolve into a power forward at the pro level, and that would give the Wings a solid three-zone player on their lower lines should he wind up with the organization. Even if he didn’t even debut in the NHL until his age-22 or 23 season, there’s a good chance it’ll be more than worth the wait.