Hard to Criticize First Round Picks of Red Wings Yzerman

If it’s criticism of Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman that’s your goal, there are plenty of targets to take aim at.

His work in signing UFAs certainly leaves something to be desired. The Red Wings are currently overburdened with long-term deals given to journeyman players who haven’t lived up to the stipend they are earning. Justin Holl, JT Compher and Vladimir Tarasenko immediately come to mind.

Some of his trades, most notably the Jake Walman deal, are hot button issues with many Red Wings fans. And he’s struggled to land a consistent netminder.

However, when it comes to the draft table, you can’t debate that Yzerman has hit it out of the park with many of his first-round picks.

Lucas Raymond (Sweden) and Moritz Seider (Germany) are early selections for their respective national teams at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy. 🇸🇪🇩🇪#RedWings | #LGRW pic.twitter.com/LQUr2vQpzJ

— The Majors Detroit (@TMSNXDetroit) June 16, 2025

Monday, as the first six for all of the 2026 Olympic teams were being announced, two of Yzerman’s first rounders were front and center. There’s no questioning that Moritz Seider (sixth overall, 2019 NHL entry draft) is a linchpin for Germany’s team. The 2022-23 Calder Trophy winner was captain of Germany’s team at the recent IIHF World Championship.

Meanwhile, Lucas Raymond (fourth overall, 2020) was earning inclusion among Sweden’s first six. He was an 80-point scorer for the Red Wings this season. Raymond was a point a game player for the Swedes at the worlds.

“Mo Seider, Lucas Raymond these are two of our, maybe our two best young players,” Yzerman said. “We’re counting on them not just on the ice but more.”

Red Wings First Rounders Offer Plenty Of Home Runs

Had Austria and Norway qualified for the Olympic Games, two more Red Wings first rounders would’ve heard their names called on Monday. Center Marco Kasper (eighth overall, 2022) is a legit star for the Austrians. Winger Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (15th overall, 2024) has already suited up twice for Norway at the worlds as a teenager.

Certainly, defenseman Simon Edvinsson (sixth overall, 2021)) will be garnering strong consideration for a spot on Sweden’s team. He was stellar in 2024-25, his first full NHL campaign. Edvinsson was playing a role for the Swedes at the worlds.

june 16 pic.twitter.com/55ZZRgOzMb

— daily moritz seider (@dailycupofmo) June 17, 2025

“He’s been growing a lot,” Seider said of Edvinsson. “I mean, not just physically, but mentally, obviously. I think he’s done an excellent job of just staying in the moment. Not getting ahead of himself, not looking too far ahead. Just trying to stay present and enjoy it.

“He did his work in the gym. He did his work on the ice. And obviously, I think that’s what usually translates onto the ice as well. He was a big part of, I think, why we were in such a successful position prior to March.”