Top 5 Detroit Red Wings Prospects (Video)

Some how the Detroit Red Wings managed to draft both Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg after the 5th round of the NHL Draft. Together, those two helped win a Stanley Cup in 2008. They both have also become the face of the Red Wings, and are a good example of how the Red Wings have either been really lucky or smart about the way they have drafted in the past 20 plus years.

So for the sake of it, lets look at the top 5 prospects that the team has waiting in the wings for them. The players order isn’t important this is just a collective list. Also players such as Petr Mrazck, Tomas Jurco and Xavier Ouellet weren’t added because they are currently with the team right now.

Teemu Pulkkinen

Age: 22

Drafted: 2010 4th round #111 overall

Current team: Grand Rapids Griffins

Mar 20, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings left wing Teemu Pulkkinen (56) battles for the puck with Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Matt Niskanen (2) in the first period at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

This 5′ 11” Finish winger is hot scorer in Grand Rapids. Last season he netted 31 goals and 59 points while playing in 71 games with the Griffins.

Pulkkinen has a powerful slap shot the is similar to that of Shea Weber.

Before he was drafted by the Red Wings, Pulkkinen played for Jokerit of the Kontinental Hockey League, which if you have ever watched is some top-notch hockey.

Pulkkinen has played three games with the Red Wings but didn’t manage any points. While he shines in his offensive skills his defensive skills still need some work and development, which hopefully time in Grand Rapids will help.

Next: Anthony Mathis