Red Wings: 2020 NHL Entry Draft needs to be well built draft class
By Tyler Kotila
The Detroit Red Wings got hosed in the 2020 NHL Draft Lottery, but that is no excuse for a weak 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
The 2020 NHL Entry Draft is still in murky waters as the Detroit Red Wings are awaiting an exact date. It is tentatively scheduled for October 9-10. However, that could change amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Red Wings may have been screwed over in the 2020 NHL Draft Lottery, but they still need to have a well-rounded draft this fall. General Manager (GM) Steve Yzerman needs to build on the success in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft and look to keep his Yzer-plan alive and well.
Now, the Red Wings falling to fourth overall in the “rigged” draft lottery means they will not be getting coveted first overall favorite Alexis Lafrenière. However, they need to be smart at fourth overall and try to add more talent to the growing pool of prospects that will push them through the rebuild.
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This is not to say that Yzerman and the front office will not piece together a well-built draft class, but it is a must in 2020.
The Red Wings are starting to figure out which players fit where and see some of the younger players start getting chances to make debuts in the NHL.
After a shocking sixth overall selection in the form of Moritz Seider, Yzerman made selections that should prove to make 2019 a strong draft class.
It shows that Yzerman is carrying his ability to have productive drafts from his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning organization.
The best thing for the Red Wings will be having another productive draft, especially being that it will help lengthen the window of competition. The Red Wings will be able to stay competitive for longer once they return to a time of competition.
They may not be anywhere near competing yet, but this 2020 NHL Entry Draft is a chance to usher that era in. If the Red Wings can go out and get someone like Lucas Raymond or Cole Perfetti at fourth, and continue to round out their draft class, things are going to go well.
Remember, the Red Wings have ten picks over the seven rounds of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Six of those picks come in the first three rounds of the draft, with the Red Wings having three second-round selections.
Having so many selections, early one leaves all the opportunity in the world for Yzerman to get with his guys in the front office and ensure they are happy with their choices. After a 2019 draft where almost every single selection was considered a good one, set the standards high for 2020.
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Come October, or whenever the 2020 NHL Entry Draft finally comes, the Detroit Red Wings need to come away with an excellent draft class, and that is the bottom line.