Evaluating a decade's worth of first-round draft picks is crucial for any NHL franchise, and the Detroit Red Wings are no exception. With the 2025 draft approaching, it's an opportune time to assess the performance of Detroit's top selections from recent years and analyze their contributions to the ongoing rebuild. Over the past ten years (2015-2024), the Red Wings have had ample opportunities to infuse talent into their roster through the first round of the NHL Draft. This period encompasses the tenures of two general managers and the team's transition from a playoff contender to a rebuilding franchise.
The Red Wings' first-round picks from the last decade include Evgeny Svechnikov (2015), Dennis Cholowski (2016), Michael Rasmussen (2017), Filip Zadina and Joe Veleno (both 2018), Moritz Seider (2019), Lucas Raymond, Simon Edvinsson and Sebastian Cossa (all from 2021), Marco Kasper (2022), Nate Danielson and Axel Sandin Pellikka (both 2023), and Michael Brandsegg-Nygård (2024). Each of these players represents a significant investment in the team's future, and their development trajectories vary considerably.
The Standouts:
A few selections clearly stand out as successes. Moritz Seider (2019) has become a cornerstone of the Red Wings' defense, logging significant minutes and demonstrating both offensive and defensive prowess. He quickly became Detroit's top-pair defenseman. Lucas Raymond (2020) has also made a substantial impact, showcasing his offensive skills and solidifying a place in the team's top-six forwards.
Promising Prospects:
Several recent picks show considerable promise, though their long-term impact remains to be seen. Simon Edvinsson (2021) is developing into a top-pairing defenseman, displaying impressive size and skill. After logging significant minutes in the past season, he is expected to take on a regular role in the Red Wings' top defensive pairing moving forward. Axel Sandin Pellikka (2023) has had a phenomenal season and has showcased offensive tools that made him such a highly touted prospect. Nate Danielson (2023) signed an entry-level deal and joined the AHL Griffins. His road-mapping suggests NHL readiness in 1–2 years, and his leadership profile hints at a strong future. Sebastian Cossa (2021) is considered one of the elite goalie prospects and is showing great potential in the AHL.
The Disappointments:
Unfortunately, not all first-round picks pan out as expected. Filip Zadina (2018), once hailed as a potential superstar, failed to live up to the hype and was eventually traded. Inconsistency defined his tenure, and the Wings greatly regretted passing on defensemen like Quinn Hughes. Dennis Cholowski (2016) also struggled to establish himself in the NHL, never securing a full-time role.
The Jury is Still Out:
The remaining picks are more difficult to assess definitively. Michael Rasmussen (2017) has become a reliable role player, but his offensive output has been limited. Joe Veleno (2018) has shown flashes of potential but needs to become more consistent. Marco Kasper (2022) spent the past season with the AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins. He wasn't a point-per-game machine, but his underlying numbers suggest strong offensive potential. Michael Brandsegg-Nygård (2024) is a strong, two-way winger with a heavy shot and physical edge.
In conclusion, the Red Wings' first-round draft record over the past decade is a mixed bag. While some selections have blossomed into key contributors, others have fallen short of expectations. The success of recent picks like Edvinsson, Sandin Pellikka and Cossa will be crucial in determining the long-term success of the Red Wings' rebuild. As the team prepares to make another first-round selection in the upcoming draft, they will undoubtedly be aiming to add another impactful player to their prospect pool.
