Red Wings of Tomorrow: Sam Stange

Red Wings of Tomorrow is assessing every prospect in the Detroit Red Wings system and what they are projecting to be in the future. We’ll be looking at the strengths and weaknesses of their game, as well as what the future holds for them as they advance through the Detroit organization. Today, we feature right wing Sam Stange

Sam Stange

Position: Right Wing

How Acquired: Selected 97th overall, 2020 NHL entry draft

2021-22 Stats: (GP-G-A-P) 37-4-7-11 (with University of Wisconsin, BIG 10)

Contract Status: Unsigned

Anticipated 2022-23 Team: Wisconsin

Prospect Synopsis

Sam Stange boasts a big body, the right attitude, a good skill package, a first-rate college hockey environment at the University of Wisconsin and strong coaching from former Detroit Red Wings assistant coach Tony Granato.

What he has lacked in his first two seasons of college hockey are exceptional numbers.

In his first two seasons at Wisconsin, Stange posted 10 goals and 17 points. He’s also excelling academically. That speaks to his reputation as a hard-working, determined person.

Killin' it in the classroom 📚

Sam Stange is this year's Ivan B. Williamson Scholastic Award pic.twitter.com/fehFlBNQGY

— Wisconsin Hockey (@BadgerMHockey) April 18, 2022

Estimated Time of Arrival in Detroit

One advantage of drafting college players is that NHL teams have more time to evaluate them before they have to make a decision on whether to sign them. Through the years, a strong junior season can win over a drafting team.

That’s where Sam Stange is as a Red Wings draft pick. Detroit’s management will be looking for him to take a giant step in his development.

Stange is a big-bodied player forward with good skating ability. He boasts offensive ability, evidenced by the fact that he registered 24 goals and 42 points in his final season for the Sioux Falls Musketeers in the United States Hockey League.

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Stange is solidly-built at 6-foot-1, 210 pounds and he puts in the work necessary to improve  his game. He’s not a lock to be an NHL player. But he still has a chance to get the Red Wings attention with an exceptional junior season. The Wisconsin native needs to have a productive 2022-23 season in Madison.