Detroit Red Wings 2018 draft pick: Ryan O’Reilly
By Ash Thompson
Not to be confused with the Buffalo Sabres center who is the subject of rampant trade speculation, The Detroit Red Wings fourth-round draft pick Ryan O’Reilly is a winger and a right-hand shot. O’Reilly has pro size at 6’1″ and 202 lbs. He has Detroit connections, despite being a Texas native, having played Pee Wee hockey in Detroit. O’Reilly is a few years away from professional hockey. He will attend the University of Denver.
O’Reilly is a volume shooter, with a heavy stick. He tallied 21 goals and 34 points for the USHL’s Madison Capitols. He profiles as a power forward, which is usually code for a player with good hands, slow feet, and at least decent size. His quick release combined with the balance to use his size to fight through checks make him a dangerous player with the puck on his stick.
O’Reilly lacks a playmaking element to his game. He doesn’t seem to be aware of overall offensive team concepts. He is working to get his own shot off, not setting up teammates for opportunities. Every team needs a balance of snipers and playmakers up front, but completely lacking either ability is a career limiter to be sure.
O’Reilly is a solid prospect for this point in the draft. He played only a single season in the USHL, but earned All-Rookie Second Team honors. As with all young players, the greater concepts of the game in terms of strategy are things that he needs to work on. College hockey is probably the best place for a young player in need of mental work to go. The college system spends more time on practice and plays fewer games than any of O’Reilly’s other options.
Next: Red Wings draft pick Alec Regula
While he may never be the quality player of the NHL’s other ROR, the Red Wings draft pick has the look of a solid player. His top speed is NHL caliber, it’s his short area quickness that needs some work before he is ready for professional hockey. he can put pucks in the net and that’s a skill that makes up for a lot of other deficiencies.