The Red Wings used their second selection in the 2008 NHL Draft (91st overall) to select 6'2" 189lb. defenseman Max Nicastro. Nicastro, a Thousand Oaks, California native, was ranked as the 90th overall North American skater heading into the draft. Nicastro likes to model his play after the Red Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom and owns a strong shot from the point to couple with his solid skating.

According to his scouting report, Nicastro will need time to develop, build up his strength and improve his presence in front of his own net.

Nicastro closed out his first season with the Chicago Steel (USHL) with 6 goals among 20 points in 58 games. He also added 78 penalty minutes. In the playoffs Nicastro added three points (1 goal) and 12 penalty minutes in seven games.

Nicastro will attend Boston University in 2009. Because he will be a collegiate player, the Red Wings will have 4-5 years to develop him, as NCAA players do not fall under the two-year rights restriction where drafted players must be signed within two years of being drafted or they may re-enter the draft.

The Red Wings have now selected two American players to kick off the 2008 draft. The club's first round selection (30th overall), goaltender Thomas McCollum, is an Amherst, NY native.