Who Will Be There When Red Wings Pick at No. 13?

A review of the Detroit Red Wings’ No. 13 pick on mock drafts suggests there isn’t much consensus about what will unfold after the first five or six picks.

We’ve seen the Red Wings’ projected to take Moose Jaw winger Lyndon Lakovic, or Swedish winger Victor Eklund. That’s San Jose forward William Eklund‘s younger brother. Another mock draft showed Detroit taking Czechia’s 6-foot-6 defenseman Radim Mrtka

Feel free to pause and imagine a future Detroit defense with Moritz Seider, 6-foot-6 Simon Edvinsson and Mrtka, plus dynamic puck mover Axel Sandin Pellikka.

The Athletic’s mock draft has Detroit taking QMJHL standout forward Justin Carbonneau who may develop into a noteworthy NHL scorer.

Which of these players will even be there when the Red Wings’ pick?

With mock drafts all over the map, we asked Russ Cohen of draftbuzz.com to give us three players who will for sure be there at No. 13 that are worth taking.

Here is what he gave us:

Wisconsin defenseman Logan Hensler

“I have him ranked a bit higher (than other analysts),” Cohen said.  “He’s a plug and play right-handed defenseman who had to play a role this year in Wisconsin. He has more offense to give. Excellent skater and very good on retrievals.”

Compilation of hits (and a couple fights) of dman Kashawn Aitcheson from the Barrie Colts during his #NHLDraft year. Kash is a missile and throws bone crushing hits, as seen in the clips. The physical aspect of his game makes him an extremely attractive prospect. #2025NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/4SUExiuP5a

— Ryan McArthur (@ryanpmcarthur) May 22, 2025

Barrie Colts defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson

“He’s a talented skater, (with) some offense in his game,” Cohen said. “But he is a shutdown defender too. A strong, cerebral assassin who likes to intimidate the opposition’s best players.”

Erie Otters left wing Malcolm Spencer

“(This) is your safe Steve Yzerman approved selection,” Cohen said. “Six-foot-one, already over 203 pounds. He hits and draws penalties. He does the hard work behind the net and can make a tough pass. A high floor player who can score around the net.”

Cohen added that this draft doesn’t have “much elite talent.” He said he likes it through pick 15.

“However, it has good depth through 35 picks,” Cohen said. “After that it’s more of a guessing game.”