Red Wings Top 12 Prospects according to TSN

[titanium2 867]

2008-2009 Top 12 Prospects: Detroit Red Wings

Shane Malloy, Prospect Insider

5/19/2009 3:11:36 PM

Considering that the Red Wings have not had many first round draft choices from 1997 to 2004, they sure have mined out some golden prospects. They have been astute at finding talent in the later rounds - with Pavel Datsyuk 171st overall in 1998, Henrik Zetterberg 210th in 1999 and Johan Franzen 97th overall in 2004.

And in addition to their current group of top picks, there have been later round gems like Logan Pyett and Darren Helm - all with great NHL potential. The advantage the Red Wings have had is their philosophy of developing prospects slowly and playing the same system in both the AHL and NHL clubs.

On defence, they are perhaps a year away from bringing in youngsters like Jakub Kindl, Logan Pyett, Sergei Kolosov, Max Nicastro and Brendan Smith. While Kindl and Smith are first-round picks, it looks like late-rounders Pyett and Kolosov have adjusted to the pro ranks quickly. Derek Meech and Jonathan Ericsson have played enough pro games (AHL and NHL) and are off the prospect list. Overall, the Red Wings some talent on the blueline but additional depth wouldn't hurt.

The club has some potential scoring depth at forward with Helm, Corey Emmerton, Gustav Nyquist, Joakim Anderson, Mattias Ritola, Jan Mursak, Dick Axelsson and Justin Abdelkader. A couple of forwards that have graduated off the prospect list (but have not made a full time jump to the NHL) are Evan McGrath and the talented Ville Leino. It will be interesting to see which of these prospects could turn into the next Tomas Holmstrom, Franzen, Datsyuk or Zetterberg.

In goal, the Wings have three possible long-term replacements for Chris Osgood. The first two that will get a shot are Jimmy Howard and Daniel Larsson, who have both paid their dues in the minors. Now Howard has played enough games as professional to graduate off the prospect list, but he still has a chance to play in the NHL. Larsson has shown promise and potential after a couple of good years in the Swedish Elite League and a solid rookie season in the AHL. The Wings' latest first-round pick is American Thomas McCollum (the most talented of the trio), who will take the longest to develop.

At this year's NHL draft, it might be a good idea to focus on high-end talented forwards who have a chance to play on the top two lines in the first couple of rounds.

1. Thomas McCollum - Goalie, 19 (1st round 30th overall 2008)

Currently with Brampton (OHL)

He has the size, athleticism, demeanor you look for in a goaltender. McCollum came to the OHL three seasons ago from upstate New York as a rookie and has never looked back. He shows good balance on his skates and has great core strength, remaining upright without slouching forward when he drops down. His lateral movement and agility from post-to-post is very good and the strength in his legs and lower back allow him to recover quickly. Overall, his mechanics are tight and consistent, staying in a compact frame without exposing holes near his body. He can also be aggressive in cutting down the angles against shooters and maintains good net presence. He does not get caught out of position very often when he is out of the blue paint. McCollum has the ability to throw out a quick glove hand, but is not flashy and deflects pucks pretty well with his blocker. He has improved on his rebound control and remains calm with heavy traffic - especially in the playoffs. He shows good hockey sense in reading the developing play, but must track the puck better and relax and trust his instincts. He is a good communicator with his defencemen and does not get on them if things go array. Like all young goalies, he must be more patient and make sure he sticks to good fundamentals. He has the skill to be a No. 1 goaltender one day.

2. Jakub Kindl - Defense, 22 (1st round 19th overall 2005)

Currently with Grand Rapids (AHL)

Kindl is a slick puck-moving defenceman with the size (6 -3 and 206 pounds) to play both ends of the ice. After three seasons and 178 games in the OHL (with 127 points and plus-42 rating along with 346 penalty minutes) he was in need of another challenge. His first season as a pro had not gone completely as planned, as his point production dropped to 14 points in 65 games. What was most disappointing was his defensive game, as he hit a low of minus-27 and had difficulties with his defensive reads. This season, Kindl settled down and looked like a quality first-round pick, making quick reads and playing a high-tempo game. He has the ability to make a good first pass and create some time and space for himself and his teammates. He certainly does not shy away from the rough play and will battle hard down low for loose pucks. Kindl has the ability to be a strong defensive player, but may need another year of development. He could be a top three defenceman in the near future.

3. Justin Abdelkader - Left Wing/Center, 22 (2nd round 42nd overall 2005)

Currently with Detroit (NHL)

The former Spartan from Muskegon, Michigan had a solid career in college, posting 95 points in 124 games. He had a host of great experiences - from the WJC in Sweden to winning the national championship. That will serve him well in the future. In his first season in the AHL, Abdelkader adjusted to the aggression, speed and tempo very quickly. In 76 games, he posted 52 points along with 102 penalty minutes and looked just as good in the postseason. He has the tools to play in the NHL and could be a second-line forward one day. He skates well and shows the hockey sense and puck skills to produce offence on a regular basis. When it comes to the forecheck, Abdelkader is effective banging and crashing along the wall and hanging around the net. He shows a physical presence, but still can be effective in a puck possession game. He just needs a little more seasoning and consistency. He does not do any one thing great, but does not have any major flaws and could develop into a versatile role player.

4. Darren Helm - Left Wing, 22 (5th round 122nd overall 2005)

Currently with Detroit (NHL)

Helm is a smart, two-way winger with the potential to develop into a valuable third-line role player. He's not the biggest player at 5-10 and 182 pounds, but he has moxie and determination. He has above average puck skills and good hockey sense, which helps him make the most of his opportunities. He's a fast skater that can cause problems on the forecheck and jump on loose pucks and fill gaps with his quickness. He shows decent hands and his wrist shot and has some zip and accuracy. His defensive game is solid and he works hard on the little nuances - like taking proper angles, keeping an active stick and his head on a swivel. He made a quick transition to the pro ranks and picked up 68 points in 122 games in the AHL. He's already played 23 games in the NHL and has not looked out of place. The fact he has played almost as many games in the NHL playoffs as the regular season says something about his reliability. He's a clutch player in the postseason and has had winning experiences from junior, WJC and the NHL.

5. Brendan Smith - Defense, 20 (1st round 27th overall 2007)

Currently with Wisconsin (NCAA)

An unfortunate injury cut his freshman season short, but the skinny blueliner showed some flashes. His sophomore season gave the Red Wings hope, as he posted excellent offensive numbers with 23 points in 31 games. He has the hockey sense to play a high-tempo game and the puck skills to play the possession game the Red Wings prefer. He sees the ice well, can make good breakout passes and he quickly deciphers his best options. He has a good shot and accuracy for a defenceman and usually gets the puck on net. He skates well and shows good agility and quickness, but needs more power to give him an extra gear. He has a knack for getting pucks through on the power play and could be a valuable asset in the future. He is improving defensively, reads and anticipates the play well and just needs to tweak little things like gap control, good angles and maintaining body position. He will need two-to-three seasons before he's is ready to make the jump - and the Wings will be patient.

6. Daniel Larsson - Goalie, 23 (3rd round 92nd overall 2006)

Currently with Grand Rapids (AHL)

The Swedish netminder has the potential to become an NHL netminder, but at what capacity remains to be seen. He is not the biggest goaltender, so Larsson must be consistent in his angles and ability to read and anticipate the developing play. He does a pretty good job of maintaining a compact frame when moving in the crease. On occasion, his angles can be off - which opens up holes especially if stays to far back in his net. His play down low is good and he's hard to beat if you do not go up high or get him moving a lot. He displays a quick glove hand and can deflect shots off the blocker, but he must stay on his feet a little longer. He must continue to work on his rebound control and endurance to take the next step to the NHL.

7. Logan Pyett - Defense, 20 (7th round 212th overall 2006)

Currently with Grand Rapids (AHL)

Pyett is a vastly underrated defenseman who has shown the offensive prowess and hockey sense to become an NHL player. He is good at maintaining puck possession and being patient with the puck to make the right decisions. He's not tall at 5-11, but he is sturdy at 200 pounds and does not get pushed around in his own zone. His point production has been outstanding from the blueline - in 273 games in the WHL he has posted 186 points and can be effective on the power play. His rookie season in the AHL saw him post 14 points in 61 games, but he showed promise. His play with Team Canada at the WJC was solid and the experience will serve him well in the professional ranks long term. Expect Pyett to play another two seasons in the AHL before getting a shot at an NHL roster spot.

8. Mattias Ritola - Right Wing, 22 (4th round 103rd 2005)

Currently with Grand Rapids (AHL)

After a couple of seasons in North America, the Swedish forward has made decent strides and has a reasonable chance of playing some games at the NHL level. It took Ritola a while to adjust to a faster pace and more aggressive game. He is beginning to understand that he must make quicker plays with the puck and go into traffic to succeed. He has enough size to compete and battle for loose pucks. His 42 points in 66 games this season almost doubled his stats from last year. He shows above average pucks skills and hockey sense, but he may not he might not be able to duplicate those numbers in the NHL. He needs to continue to work on his defensive game and become a responsible puck possession defender. He's a project at this point that shows promise and may need another year or two in the AHL before the Wings know if he can play at the NHL.

9. Cory Emmerton - Left Wing, 20 (2nd round 41st overall 2006)

Currently with Grand Rapids (AHL)

He's a creative offensive minded player who has the hockey sense to develop into a pro player. His 255 points in 218 games in the OHL is an indicator of that, however he will need to work on a few things but the tools are there. At six feet and 190 pounds, he could use a little more strength and size to battle one-on-one and could also gain more confidence in that area. His puck skills cannot be denied and perhaps a couple years in the AHL will allow him to work on his intangibles and defensive play.

10. Joakim Andersson - Centre, 20 (3rd round 88th overall 2007)

Currently with Grand Rapids (AHL)

After a solid season in the Swedish Elite League, Andersson came over to North America and played a few games in the playoffs. Overall, he has good size at 6-2 and 200 pounds and has the hockey sense to play at the pro level in North America. He does not possess an elite level of puck skills when it comes to passing and stickhandling, but his smarts get him by. He could use a little more jump in his quickness and another gear in his stride, but Andersson's skating ability should not hold him back. He can produce a reasonable amount of offensive production, but his forte is on the defensive side of the puck. At what level he plays is still unclear and another season in the AHL would give a better indication of his potential.

11. Dick Axelsson - Left Wing, 22 (2nd round 62nd overall 2006)

Currently with Djurgardens/Farjestads (SWE)

Axelsson is another big Swede (at 6-2 and 200 pounds) that had a solid season in the Swedish Elite League. In 39 games, he posted 30 points and 42 penalty minutes and has that bang and crash mentality shared by fellow countrymen Johan Franzen and Tomas Holmstrom. He plays up and down the wing and shows defensive responsibility with good skating ability. It remains to be seen if his puck skills and hockey sense will translate quickly to the North American ice, but he will not be pressured to develop quickly. He shows good hands around the net and sees the ice well, but he will have to adapt to playing a rougher style with a much longer schedule.

12. Jan Mursak - Right Wing, 21 (6th round 182nd overall 2006)

Currently with Grand Rapids (AHL)

The Slovenian dynamo reminds some people of current player on the Detroit roster - Jiri Hudler. He surprised many scouts and dominated offensively, with 80 points in 62 games two seasons ago season in the OHL. He is a still skinny at 5-11 and 170 pounds, but he is not afraid to get involved physically. He's blessed with exceptional skating ability and if gets an extra step on a defenseman, say goodbye because he's gone. He has the puck skills and the hockey sense to play at the NHL level and can change the speed of the game. Last year, he moved to a new OHL team and took a little time to adjust. He did pick up 64 points in 57 games, but has a chance to take his game to another level. As a rookie in the AHL, he seemed to be overwhelmed and only had nine points in 51 games. He must make a greater commitment to his fitness level to make an impact against opponents. Like Hudler, the Wings will patient with Mursak and let him develop.

EDIT: Sorry, forgot the link: http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=279245

They all make sense for the most part except Logan Pyett at 7 above Ritola and Andersson?? I don't think so.

Edited May 19, 2009 by titanium2

[norrisnick 1]

Yeah, I think Pyett is slowly but surely fading out of the picture. I have high hopes for Nicastro. A positional two-way defenseman with the added bonus of a right handed shot.

[titanium2 867]

Yeah, I think Pyett is slowly but surely fading out of the picture. I have high hopes for Nicastro. A positional two-way defenseman with the added bonus of a right handed shot.

How the hell did he get 7th? IMO he doesn't even deserve to be in the top 15 let alone 7th.

[norrisnick 1]

Pyett played for Canada at the WJC.

[redwingsandspartans 0]

Finally they put Brendan Smith where he blongs! This kid definitely belongs in the top 5. I've seen him on other websites as being listed #8-12 on Detroit's top prospect list. Finally someone gets it right. This guy is something else! 23 points in 31 games as a defenseman at any level is pretty remarkable! :colorbounce:

[TheOwl 77]

If Detroit can get Leino signed for next season, and obviously we'll have Ericcson and Helm at least, next years team may be a whole lot better then this seasons.

Edited May 20, 2009 by TheOwl

[theman19 47]

is McCollum the real deal? Goalies take a stupid long time to develop, as i recall we heard all this about howard when he was at this stage too.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Pretty decent list actually.

Obviously Logan Pyett is just way too high up, hard to even believe he's on the list let alone #7.

Think Brendan Smith is a bit overrated but if he could stay on the ice then maybe I'd be saying otherwise.

[Star_Hunter 0]

So Jimmy Howard is a bust?

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

I really hope Pyett and Emmerton work out, loved those guys for Canada.

[Norm_Maracle For Vezina 0]

So Jimmy Howard is a bust?

no

[wingslionstigers 12]

no

Howard looks like he has a shot yet. Next season he will get his final chance. Conks will likely be gone and i don't see them signing another backup/starter this off season. If Howard can't make the show this preseason than they will likely move him because hes eating up Larrsons playing time in the AHL.

[Jake Ryan 1]

Remove Helm and Abdelkader from that list. They are no longer prospects.

[Dabura 12,207]

If Detroit can get Leino signed for next season, and obviously we'll have Ericcson and Helm at least, next years team may be a whole lot better then this seasons.

WE CAN ONLY HOPE!1

Your Hossa hate never ceases to amuse me.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

Howard looks like he has a shot yet. Next season he will get his final chance. Conks will likely be gone and i don't see them signing another backup/starter this off season. If Howard can't make the show this preseason than they will likely move him because hes eating up Larrsons playing time in the AHL.

Howard can't play in the AHL next season without being exposed to waivers immediately. He's literally out of minor league options, if the Wings don't keep him on the roster next season another team gets a crack at him via the waiver wire.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

Remove Helm and Abdelkader from that list. They are no longer prospects.

Abdelkader was an AHL rookie this year. The Wings will have the following rookies on their roster next season:

-Ericsson

-Howard

-Leino (very unlikely they let him go, he really impressed when called up this year and won't sign another 2-way contact)

-Helm (if not it will only be because they don't have the room and he still has minor options left)

My money is on Abdelkader not being on the roster next season. I'd give you very, very, very low odds he'll be on the roster in October. When was the last time the Wings had 5 rookies on their roster? Abdelkader won't be on the roster as a spare part (Meech- only playing when there are injuries). The Wings want their prospects to play games, Meech came here and sat because he was out of options in the minors, not because the Wings wanted to waste his time.

In summary, Abdelkader is the very definition of a prospect.

[Guest GordieSid&Ted]

Looks like the organization continues to do a good job of finding good character kids that play a smart style of hockey.

Too bad I didn't see a single above average physical presence up front or on the blueline. Just once would it kill us to take a chance on a kid who can also drop the gloves?

I love winning, but it'd just be nice to know some more muscle was developing in the ranks to go with all that skill.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Looks like the organization continues to do a good job of finding good character kids that play a smart style of hockey.

Too bad I didn't see a single above average physical presence up front or on the blueline. Just once would it kill us to take a chance on a kid who can also drop the gloves?

I love winning, but it'd just be nice to know some more muscle was developing in the ranks to go with all that skill.

Julien Cayer perhaps?

[egroen 384]

They've done a good job at drafting guys with size the past few years -- but they are sticking to their forte and drafting euros, who rarely know how to fight. Big North Americans, with even a little skill, are still being drafted WAY before they should be by most NHL teams... and most of them bust.

As long as the Wings keep winning, it is going to be tough to draft any of those chippy N. American boys.

[Guest GordieSid&Ted]

They've done a good job at drafting guys with size the past few years -- but they are sticking to their forte and drafting euros, who rarely know how to fight. Big North Americans, with even a little skill, are still being drafted WAY before they should be by most NHL teams... and most of them bust.

As long as the Wings keep winning, it is going to be tough to draft any of those chippy N. American boys.

You're spot on. Many teams still believe that bigger, meaner, tougher is the way to go. And you know what, we don't win it every year and the Ducks won it before us and they took us to 7 hard fought games, so there's something to be said for size and toughness....especially when its combined with skill like a Ryan Getzlaf. That's just a formidable type of player right there.

For my wishes, I would love to see a guy like a Timmy Gleason get drafted by Detroit. He was a late 1st rounder. Or Wisniewski who was a 5th rounder. Beauchemin was a 3rd rounder. Mike Commodore was a 2nd round pick.

My point is there are decent looking prospects that are big, strong and show in Juniors that they can throw them. And they don't even have to be North Americans. Obviously they are more inclined to be that way but there are tough European players as well. Just not as many.

It'd just be nice to toss in a kid or 2 in the later rounds that plays a bit of a different style.

We've shown we can win with a roughly all Euro lineup and that we don't need to "fight" to win games. But we've also proved that teams with Shanahan, McCarty, Lapointe and Kocur can also win Cups.

It's about have a nice mix and not too many of the same type of player. I guess the bonus we have now is that we have lots of the same kind of player but it's not a bad thing because what makes them all the "same" is that they're skilled, they can skate and they have a great work ethic.

Someday we may not be as fortunate. Imagine a team of mostly Euro's who don't have the work ethic. Who don't have the two way responsible game. We're lucky with the "mix" we have right now even though it ain't much of a mix.