No bad luck, no good luck, Red Wings stay at No. 6 for NHL draft

The Detroit Red Wings didn’t lose ground at the NHL draft lottery, staying at No. 6 for July 23-24 draft.

Last season, the Red Wings had worst record. But they fell from No. 1 to No. 4 at the lottery and took Swedish standout Lucas Raymond.  In 2019, the Red Wings dropped from No. 3 to No. 6 and took Moritz Seider. TSN.ca now lists Seider as the NHL’s No. 1 prospect.

The Buffalo Sabres owned the NHL’s worst record this season, and they won the draft lottery to hold the No. 1 pick. They are expected to take University of Michigan defenseman Owen Power. The expansion Seattle Kraken moved from No. 3 to No. 2. The Anaheim Ducks fell from No. 3 to No. 2.

Lottery rules were changed this year

In the past, three teams moved, but rules were changed this season to allow only two teams to move.

The Red Wings are historically drawn to Swedish talent.  They could take dynamic winger William Eklund at No. 6.

“He has outstanding offensive instincts,” said Kyle Woodlief, chief scout for Redline Report, an independent scouting review.  “Constantly in motion; keeps his feet moving and challenges defenders with energy and desire.  Mid-season Covid bout cost him several weeks, but couldn’t keep him down long.”

Mike Sillinger’s son could end up a Detroit pick

Cole Sillinger,  a 6-foot center from Sioux Falls in the United State Hockey League, could also go to Detroit. He netted 24 goals and 46 points in 31 games for Sioux Falls. Cole’s father, Mike Sillinger, was a Red Wings’ first round pick in 1989.

 “(This) dynamic player is a bull on skates, thick and extremely strong on his feet, able to drive through contact and get to the net at will,” Woodlief said. “He loves to initiate physical contact and has the hands and shot to score at any level.  The puck comes off his blade like a missile.”

Red Wings need a goalie

Other possibilities: Center Mason McTavish (Peterborough, Ontario Hockey League) and defenseman Brandt Clarke, a Canadian who played in Slovakia this season.

The Red Wings need a goalie. The best goalie prospect is Swedish star Jesper Wallstedt and he is projected to land around 10th.

GM Steve Yzerman could take a goalie with the Capitals’ first round pick, which he acquired in the Anthony Mantha deal. That pick will be in the 20s. Edmonton 6-foot-6 goalie Sebastian Cossa will go in the 20-25 range.

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