Detroit Red Wings sign WHL standout Cross Hanas

The Detroit Red Wings added another Steve Yzerman era draft pick to the team when Texas native Cross Hanas agreed to a three-year entry level deal.

Hanas, a right winger, was Detroit’s second-round pick (55th overall) in 2020. The 20-year-old Hanas has 22 goals and 70 points for the Portland Winter Hawks of the Western Hockey League. He grew up playing hockey for the Dallas Stars youth teams with the sons of Joe Nieuwendyk and Stephane Robidas. Hanas is the son of Trevor Hanas who played in the Western Hockey League in the 1990s. Trevor coached his son in his Texas

Most of Detroit’s top prospects are defensemen. Hanas is one of the few forwards with a scoring touch. He also scored 22 goals for the Winter Hawks in 2019-20. Hanas is gifted with the puck on his stick. He can skate, and play-make from the wing. Hana hass quality instincts around the net. He has pulled off the lacrosse-style scoring technique that we’ve seen in the NHL this season from Trevor Zegras.

Three years later…Cross Hanas @pdxwinterhawks has signed an entry-level deal with the Detroit Red Wings. Fitting for the 19-year-old King of “The Michigan” goal. https://t.co/ySMTk2fUqz

— Nick Krupke (@NickKrupke) March 16, 2022

Hanas, 20, plays aggressively on the forecheck. He has noteworthy puck retrieval styles.

Hanas would likely play for the Grand Rapids Griffins next season. It’s possible he might play there this season, depending upon when his WHL season ends.  The Red Wings are expected to sign several of their draft picks, including defenseman Simon Edvinsson and left wing Elmer Soderblom of Frolunda. Soderblom is 6-foot-8, 240 pounds. He has 20 goals and 30 points in 48 games.