The Detroit Red Wings shockingly pick Moritz Seider Sixth Overall
By Bob Heyrman
Tonight the Steve Yzerman era as the franchises’ General Manager truly began. The “captain” marched onto the stage to announce his first choice with his team of scouts, advisors, and assistants. With the sixth pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Level Draft, the Detroit Red Wings selected defenseman Moritz Seider. Huh?
The Detroit Red Wings are desperate for another impactful defenseman, but the Colorado Avalanche decided to rain on the Wings parade taking Bowen Byram with the fourth overall pick. Not only did the Avalanche take a player that is expected to play in the league right away, but they also picked him with where the Detroit Red Wings were slated to pick before they, unfortunately, fell during the draft lottery.
There were no surprises tonight with the top two picks, as expected Jack Hughes was selected first overall by the Devils with Kaapo Kakka heading to the New York Rangers. The Chicago Blackhawks picked center Kirby Dach; a bit of a surprise with Chicago native Alex Turcotte available. That’s when the Avs as previously mentioned, took Byram, leaving the L.A Kings to select Turcotte.
I was delighted at this point; I figured Steve Yzerman was about to announce the franchise is taking impactful center, Dylan Cozens. That didn’t happen, Yzerman sort of shocked Red Wings fans when he mentioned the team was taking German defenseman, Moritz Seider.
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As per Elite Prospects, Seider rarely makes unforced errors; he’s composed under pressure. He’s a big defender at 6’4 nearly 210-pounds as an 18-year old. He is a bit limited offensively but makes up for that with his ability to make precise passes, displaying above average vision.
He’s more of a stay at home defender, but he’s very mobile. He controls the gap well; he isn’t afraid to use his size when necessary. His hockey IQ is one of his best attributes; he can anticipate the play before it’s made. He will be relied upon to kill penalties with the Detroit Red Wings, something he also excels at. In 29 games last season with the Mannheim Eagles, Seider recorded 2 goals totaling 6 points. He was a plus 2. He was also named best defenseman of the WJC tournament this past winter recording 1 goal to go with his 6 assists. He’s a bit of a project defender and a bit of a reach for the Wings picking at sixth overall.
The pick describes how weak the Detroit Red Wings back-end really is. The team has a handful of defensemen that are over the hill, with just a few bright spots close to being NHL ready. Filip Hronek leads the young group with his potential; the Wings also have Dennis Cholowski along with Jared McIsaac coming.
A look at their past five first-round picks. dark. Next
In Steve Yzerman, we trust; I hope this kid turns out to be a top-four NHL defenseman in the near future. He’s been playing the game against men in Germany, but not precisely against elite talent. The Athletic had Seider ranked as the 22nd overall prospect, so it’s a bit of a reach, I’m happy Yzerman made the pick rather than Holland though. I think if Holland were still the teams’ GM this pick would have blown up the internet.