Red Wings Prospect Rankings

Goaltending and D look good but haven't really liked the direction Yzerman has taken with the forwards

Danielson over Kasper? I think Danielson has a lot of untapped offense, but I'm hesitant to put him above Kasper because of how refined and how good Kasper is in almost every other facet of the game.

Danielson appears to be the type of player that you have to watch to understand how good he is. Personally I haven't watched him, but the Athletic article that anonymously interviewed NHL execs and scouts, he came up about 10 times as the player that could be the steal of the draft. Seems to be very well liked by front offices in the league

Not sure how you could have Mazur over Soder when Mazur hasn't sniffed NHL ice yet.

Looks good otherwise - this years draft should be a heavy winger draft.

Defense and Goaltending takes longer to develop. I completely agree with the approach Yzerman has taken with heavily focusing on Defenders over Forwards in the first 5 drafts he's overseen. When you select a Dman it's usually minimum 3 years before they step onto NHL ice. Typically 4 years. Sometimes even up to 5 years. Forwards on the other hand can usually be ready to step onto NHL ice 1-2 years after being drafted. Kasper already got a look 1 year post draft. Raymond was a full time player 1 year post draft. I wouldn't be surprised to see Danielson get a look in the 2024/2025 season and be full time by 2025/2026.

Sometimes I questioned picks like taking Wallinder over Peterka when Wallinder is just getting into the AHL now and Peterka is already an effective NHL forward for Buffalo. But seeing more of Wallinder now and how fast he is and big he is, I believe he'll have the better impact once he's in the NHL. Or taking Buium over a guy like Stankoven, same thing. Finding good Defense is always harder than finding good Forwards. It's better to draft the D and find forwards through other means, such as trades or free agency like DeBrincat, Perron, etc. if you have to.