Red Wings Draft USHL 2022 Rookie of the Year Dylan James

Left wing Dylan James was named United States Hockey League 2022 Rookie of the Year after becoming the first rookie in six years to register 60 or points.

The big deal about that is that previous winners of that award have include Andrei Svechnikov, Joe Pavelski, Johnny Gaudreau, Max Pacioretty and Jake Guentzel to name a few.

The Detroit Red Wings were elated to draft the University of North Dakota recruit James 40th overall in day two of the NHL draft. The Calgary native finished with 28 goals and 61 points in 62 games for the Sioux City Musketeers.

“We’re excited about him,” said Kris Draper, the Red Wings’ Director of Amateur scouting. “He won a
championship in the USHL this year and had himself a big year.”

Red Wings See Complete Player

Draper called James a complete player. “We really like the 200-foot game that he plays, used in all situations,” Draper said.

Congratulations to @Musketeerhockey LW Dylan James on being selected by the Detroit Red Wings at #40 overall. Challenged himself leaving home for the USHL this season and it paid off with a Clark Cup & being drafted in the 2nd round of the NHL Draft. #Development https://t.co/dLSlAeDFyh

— Andy Johnson (@AndyJohnsonSCM) July 8, 2022

“DJ is one unreal human,” Sioux City coach Luke Strand tweeted this season. “He’s going to be a PRIZE for the lucky @nhl club! Instantly a better coach with this guy on your bench!!”

Red Line Report Chief Scout Kyle Woodlief compared James to Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ondej Palat. What makes that interesting is that Yzerman had Palat when he was in Tampa Bay.

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James rose in the draft rankings in the second half of the season. Woodlief said he’s a impressive playmaker who can play with tremendous pace.

“Second half offensive production was off the charts,” Woodlief wrote in his draft guide. “High energy, creative winger bring passion and a sense of urgency. Rugged, competes his bag off, and excels in in the heavy traffic areas. Wants the puck on his stick when the game is on the line.”

USHL insider Gabe with more info on Dylan James: https://t.co/mwLx9LcSfg

— Jake Rivard (@RivardNHL) July 8, 2022

USHL Rookie of the Year can be a predictor of NHL success.

Past USHL Rookies of the Year

022 — Dylan James, Sioux City
2021 — Cole Sillinger, Sioux Falls
2020 — Brendan Brisson, Chicago
2019 — Zac Jones, Tri-City
2018 — Matej Pekar, Muskegon
2017 — Andre Svechnikov, Muskegon
2016 — Cameron Morrison, Youngstown
2015 — Kieffer Bellows, Sioux Falls
2014 — Robby Jackson, Chicago
2013 — Jake Guentzel, Sioux City
2012 — Taylor Cammarata, Waterloo
2011 — Johnny Gaudreau, Dubuque
2010 — Anders Lee, Green Bay
2009 — Louis Leblanc, Omaha
2008 — Jack Connolly, Sioux Falls
2007 — Max Pacioretty, Sioux City
2006 — Kyle Okposo, Des Moines
2005 — Chad Rau, Des Moines
2004 — Matt Ford, Sioux Falls
2003 — Joe Pavelski, Waterloo

The Red Wings have several college prospects, including Shai Buium and Carter Mazur on the NCAA champion Denver team.