The Detroit Red Wings are heading into the 2025 NHL Draft with a clear mission: to bolster their prospect pool and address key organizational needs. After another season that fell short of playoff contention, General Manager Steve Yzerman will be looking to add impactful talent that can contribute to the team's long-term success. While the Red Wings have a solid core of young players, including Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider, and Simon Edvinsson, there are still areas that need improvement. Here are three of the biggest needs the Red Wings should address in the 2025 NHL Draft:

1. Top-Line Scoring Forward

One of the most pressing needs for the Red Wings is adding a top-line forward who can provide consistent offensive production. While players like Larkin and Raymond have shown flashes of brilliance, the team lacks a true game-breaker who can consistently drive the offense. In the 2024-25 season, the Red Wings struggled to generate offense at five-on-five, ranking near the bottom of the league in goals and high-danger chances per 60 minutes.

Yzerman needs to find a player who can elevate the team's scoring ability and create more opportunities in the offensive zone. Several potential targets could be available in the draft, including players known for their offensive upside. Some mock drafts have the Red Wings selecting Carter Bear with the 13th overall pick, noting that his offensive ceiling is high. Other options could include Justin Carbonneau, known for his versatile offensive profile and excellent shot, or Lynden Lakovic, who possesses size and skill.

2. Top-Four Defenseman

The Red Wings also need to add a top-four defenseman to solidify their blue line. While Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson are promising young players, the team lacks depth and experience on defense. In the 2024-25 season, the Red Wings ranked in the bottom half of the league in several defensive metrics, indicating a need for improvement in their own zone.

Adding a top-four defenseman would provide stability and leadership on the blue line, while also freeing up Seider and Edvinsson to play to their strengths. Potential targets in the draft could include Sasha Boumedienne, a well-rounded Swedish defenseman with offensive capabilities and puck-control skills, or Kashawn Aitcheson, known as one of the most aggressive defensemen in the 2025 draft class.

3. High-End Talent and Offensive Upside

Overall, the Red Wings need to prioritize drafting players with high-end talent and offensive upside, regardless of position. While the team has a good foundation of gritty, two-way players, they need to add more players with the potential to be elite offensive contributors. As one analysis pointed out, the team needs the kind of top-line offensive potential usually found at the top of the draft.

Yzerman has focused on drafting players without that extra offensive spark in previous drafts. The focus should be on identifying players with the potential to be game-changers and elevate the team's overall talent level. This could mean taking a chance on a player with some flaws but possesses exceptional offensive skills. Some potential targets include Ryker Lee, Benjamin Kevan, and Jack Murtagh, all of whom are offensively gifted but have some weaknesses in their game.

The 2025 NHL Draft presents a crucial opportunity for the Detroit Red Wings to address their needs and add to their prospect pool. By prioritizing top-line scoring, a top-four defenseman, and high-end talent with offensive upside, Yzerman can help the team take the next step toward becoming a true contender.