Top 10 Red Wings Prospects: Forwards

In Sebastian Cossa, the Detroit Red Wings feel that they have their goalie of the future in place. Starting with Simon Edvinsson, the well of defensive prospects in the Detroit pipeline runs very deep.

Forwards, though, are a different matter. The Red Wings simply don’t have a lengthy list of sure-fire prospects to be feeding into their front line.

Red Wings Moving Forward

Still, there is hope on the horizon. Jonatan Berggren was the scoring leader last season with Detroit’s top farm club, the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins. Recently signed to an entry-level contract, Elmer Soderblom topped Frolunda of the SHL with 21 goals.

Let’s look at the top 10 forward prospects in the Red Wings organization:

1. Jonatan Berggren (No. 33, 2018)

Skating his first season in North American hockey, Berggren, 21, a left-shot right wing, led the Grffins with 43 assists and 64 points. That was good for 12th in league scoring and second among rookies. Berggren closed out the campaign riding an 11-game point streak. He’ll be given every chance to make the Red Wings during training camp.

2. Elmer Soderblom (No. 159, 2019)

Coming into the season with three goals in 38 SHL games, the massive 6-foot-8, 249-pound Soderblom, 20, emerged as a go-to performer for Frolunda. His athletcism is impressive and Soderblom is elusive as well as powerful on his skates. Soderblom has gained internet fame for his highlight-reel goals. The left-winger may need some time to adjust to the North American style of hockey, though.

Big Elmer. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6F2Cii79Mn

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) June 9, 2022

3. Theodor Niederbach (No. 51, 2020)

Niederbach, 20, is certainly going to be a Red Wings prospect to watch during the 2022-23 season. He’s moving to Rogle from Frolunda and figures to be getting more prominent ice time. In limited opportunities among Frolunda’s bottom-six forwards he collected nine goals in 51 games. A versatile performer, Niederbach can play center or right wing.

4. Carter Mazur (No. 70, 2021)

Helping the Denver Pioneers to an NCAA title, left-winger Carter Mazur, 20, established a presence as a Brad Marchand type. He’s a pesky, prickly opponent whose performance seems to ramp up the bigger the game or the stage. He produced 14 goals and 38 points in 41 games as an NCAA freshman.

5. Pontus Andreason (Free agent, 2021)

Signed as a free agent by the Red Wings last month, Andreasson, 23, is an intriguing late bloomer. Playing his first season in the SHL’s top division, Andreasson ended up second among rookie scorers, collecting 18 goals and 38 points in 52 games with Lulea. He added 8-5-13 numbers in the playoffs as Lulea went to Game 7 of the SHL final.

6. Cross Hanas (No. 55, 2020)

Hanas, 20, from Highland Village, Texas, enjoyed a breakout campaign with the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks. The right-winger led the club with 60 assists and 86 points in 63 games. Hanas added 5-4-9 totals in 11 playoff games.

PORTLAND DID THE THING!!!!@pdxwinterhawks | @DetroitRedWings pic.twitter.com/J9G2885zTL

— The WHL (@TheWHL) December 19, 2021

7. Liam Dower Nilsson (No. 134, 2021)

Following a dominant campaign with Frolunda’s junior club which saw him collect 50 points in 34 games, center Dower Nilsson, 19, will be looking to make the move to the senior squad on a permanent basis. He played 10 games in the SHL last season but didn’t collect a point. Scouts project Dower Nilsson playing a role as a bottom-six forward at the NHL level.

8. Red Savage (No. 114, 2021)

The son of former NHLer Brian Savage, center Red Savage, earned a place on USA Hockey’s world junior team last season. Another who projects to fill a checking role as a pro, Savage collected 16 points in 35 games as a freshman at Miami.

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9. Chase Pearson (No. 140, 2015)

Center Pearson, 24, earned his first NHL taste in 2021-22. He was pointless in three games with the Red Wings, skating on the fourth line. His numbers regressed with Grand Rapids. Pearson was good for 7-11-18 numbers in 50 games, with a career-worst -17 rating. His dad Scott Pearson played in the NHL.

10. Pasquale Zito (No. 166, 2021)

A guy who’s earned a reputation as willing to do whatever it takes to help the team, Pasquale Zito collected 42 points in 49 games this season, including 22 goals for the OHL finalist Windsor Spitfires. As a sixth-round pick the center is a longshot to be an NHLer but Zito’s grittiness and determination make him an interesting prospect.