Red Wings of Tomorrow: Chase Bradley

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 left wing Chase Bradley

Chase Bradley

Position: Left Wing

How Acquired: Selected 203rd overall, 2020 NHL entry draft

2021-22 Stats: (GP-G-A-P) 29-4-5-9 (with University of Connecticut)

Contract Status: Unsigned

Anticipated 2022-23 Team: Connecticut (Hockey East)

Prospect Synopsis

A seventh round pick from the 2020 draft, Bradley had a stellar season with the Sioux City Musketeers back in 2020-21. In 52 games, he potted 22 goals and had 40 points.

Bradley’s first season with the Huskies saw him playing in the Hockey East title game, which resulted in a tough 2-1 OT loss.

Bradley is just a freshman so he should presumably see more ice time as a sophomore and beyond. His nine points in 29 games is a solid start.

The numbers Bradley put up in the USHL should be an indicator that the young winger can certainly find the net when given the opportunity.

The Chase Bradley ENG to close it for @UConnMHOC. @hockey_east @Buccigross #CawlidgeHawkey pic.twitter.com/PR51PDeTfl

— Chris Lynch (@cclynchwall) March 13, 2022

“I’m definitely a power forward, using my size to an advantage,” Bradley said.  “I’m always hard on pucks and just being a physical player.”

That type of player, should he continue to improve, would fit right into the sort of player Detroit needs hounding the net.

Estimated Time of Arrival in Detroit

Since he’ll only be a sophomore in the fall, it will certainly be a few years before Bradley hits Detroit’s radar.

Though he was a seventh round pick, Bradley is in the unique draft year where many players could be seen as “steals” due to the global pandemic.

But the earliest guess for the 20-year-old forward would be 2024-25, likely with Grand Rapids if offered an entry-level deal.

More time gives Bradley the opportunity to hone a 200-foot game, something the Red Wings brass is known for being particular about.

The youngster is quick to point out that he can always improve.

“For me, it’s definitely a team game,” Bradley said. “I feel like I could work on moving the puck better, seeing the ice better and just little skills that I can develop over time.”

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Bradley also plays to Steve Yzerman’s complete player philosophy. When asked, his answer was exactly what Yzerman and the front office wants in their players.

“I mean, winning’s everything to me and just playing for your teammates [while] also having that competitive mindset every game is key.”

He’s saying the right things. With another few years to build his game, Bradley is an intriguing late round Red Wings prospects to keep an eye on.