Detroit Red Wings

The Daily: Do Red Wings Like Benson for NHL Draft?; Trade Talk

Published

11 months ago

June 24, 2023

NHL draft prospect Zach Benson. He played for the Winnipeg Ice this season. (Photo by Mike Augello)

When it comes to NHL draft rankings, TSN guru Bob McKenzie’s list is the gold standard. He has been publishing an annual list for years and his ranking is a poll of 10 team employees who are involved in the drafting of players.

He doesn’t say what team will select specific players, but his rankings are always quite close to where players will land in the draft.

That’s why it is important McKenzie’s final NHL Draft list, published two days ago, ranks Zach Benson as the No. 9. It doesn’t mean the Red Wings will take him, but it certainly indicates that Benson is a real possibility.

McKenzie wrote this about Benson: “Winnipeg Ice left winger Zach Benson is only 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds and doesn’t possess blinding speed, but is so smart, creative and competitive that he still checks in at No. 9 on our list. Eight of 10 scouts had him in their Top 10 but the other two had him between 15 and 20.”

Dalibor Dvorsky (No. 7), David Reinbacher (No. 8) and Gabe Perreault (No. 10) are the NHL Draft prospects ranked around Benson. Perreault is the son of former NHLer Yanic Perreault. Matthew Wood, compared to Tage Thompson, lurks at No. 11. Maybe the Red Wings are intrigued by Wood because they were victimized by Thompson’s success this season.

Here is McKenzie’s list:

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Zach Benson.#NHLDraft #2023NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/mQD2Rymuk3

— Ryan Barr (@crossbarrhockey) June 22, 2023

Red Wings’ Offseason

Highly respected NHL Network broadcaster and baseball insider Jon Morosi created plenty of fun with a tweet suggesting the Red Wings should consider making a bid to acquire center Mark Scheifele. Many fans found the idea appealing on social media. There is some logic to it.

Hockey thought: If the Red Wings — with an abundance of draft picks — find a way to trade for Mark Scheifele, they are a playoff team in 2024. @NHLNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) June 22, 2023

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Are the Red Wings considering Tage Thompson-like forward Matthew Wood with the No. 9 overall draft pick.
Former Detroit Red Wings goalie Dominik Hasek explains his anti-Russia stance in one of our paywall stories.
Detroit GM Steve Yzerman talked about his draft strategy in general terms.
Red Wings fans may get a chance to see Connor Bedard very early in his NHL career. One of Detroit’s preseason games at Little Caesars Arena will feature the Blackhawks.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Jimmy Murphy writes that the Bruins should consider copying the Boston Celtics’ game plan. Boston Bruins.

Buffalo: The Sabres’ rivals also have plenty of questions about their rosters. Boston Sabres.

Chicago: Nate Brown looks at the Blackhawks of trading up with their second first-round pick. Chicago Blackhawks.

Colorado: The Avalanche potential trade board has added a few names. Colorado Avalanche.

Florida: George Richards writes that the hiring of coach Paul Maurice one year was a game-changing event. Florida Panthers.

Philadelphia: The Flyers are among the teams that will meet with Russian prospect Matvei Michkov before Wednesday’s draft. Could he fall to No. 7. Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh: Penguins’ new general manager Kyle Dubas isn’t ruling out re-signing Tristan Jarry, Jason Zucker and Brian Dumoulin. Pittsburgh Penguins

San Jose: Patrick Marleau has rejoined the San Jose Sharks as a development coach. San Jose Sharks.