Here are three bold predictions for the Detroit Red Wings as the 2025 NHL Draft approaches:

1. Red Wings Trade Into the Top 10

The Detroit Red Wings, currently holding the 13th overall pick, are predicted to make a significant move by trading into the top 10. This year could be the last time in a while that the Red Wings are picking in the top half of the first round, given the expectation that they will be a playoff team in the coming years. While drafting in the 20s can still yield solid NHL contributors, it's less likely to produce top-of-the-lineup stars.

To address this, General Manager Steve Yzerman may consolidate some of the team's nine picks and potentially some prospects to move up in the draft order. The aim would be to select a potential cornerstone player. Prospects who might be targeted include James Hagens, Porter Martone, Brady Martin, Jake O'Brien, or Roger McQueen. While Victor Eklund or Carter Bear would be good additions if the Red Wings stayed at pick 13, the aforementioned players are considered to be in a tier above them. The Red Wings are in need of more high-end talent to truly contend, and trading up would be an aggressive move to acquire such a player. Detroit needs one more top-four defenseman and some raw talent up front to drive offense on that second line.

2. Red Wings Draft a Forward in the First Round

Although there's a case to be made for selecting defensemen like Kashawn Aitcheson or Jackson Smith to bolster Detroit's defensive core, the prediction here is that the Red Wings will prioritize drafting a forward in the first round. Even after selecting forwards in each of the last three first rounds (Marco Kasper, Nate Danielson, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard), the need for offensive talent is still seen as more pressing. Several mock drafts have the Red Wings selecting Carter Bear. Justin Carbonneau is another possibility, bringing a goal-scoring boost to Detroit's future top-six forwards. The organization seems to be missing an element of physicality in their prospect pool, something that could be addressed by drafting Bear. Some reports indicate the Red Wings will target prospects with clear offensive upside, regardless of position, with the team needing both centers and wingers.

3. Second Round Focus: Cole McKinney

With the 44th overall pick in the second round, the Red Wings are predicted to target Cole McKinney, a center committed to playing for the University of Michigan. McKinney has the potential to become an ideal middle-six center in the NHL. While he may not be a high-end offensive driver, his high compete level and mature game should translate well to the professional level. In the previous season with the United States National U18 Team, McKinney led the team in scoring with 61 points in 60 games. Some have compared his style to that of Nate Danielson; McKinney competes hard, is a playmaker at heart, and his two-way ability is a key part of his overall game. Other potential options for the Red Wings in the second round could include Alexander Zharovsky, a raw Russian prospect with significant potential.