Red Wings: Cole Perfetti one of the top forwards to consider in 2020 NHL Draft

While the Detroit Red Wings could shock everyone in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, a forward like Cole Perfetti is likely the draft choice.

The Detroit Red Wings need to have a strong 2020 NHL Entry Draft, and that starts with making a good pick at fourth overall. The idea that General Manager (GM) Steve Yzerman shocks everyone and selects goaltender Yaroslav Askarov is enticing, but likely not happening.

This leaves the Red Wings looking at a top-heavy talent class full of young forwards at the top of the draft class. Some mock drafts have the organization selecting defenseman Jamie Drysdale, but should the Red Wings pass on him and focus on a forward; there are a few.

Cole Perfetti, a center playing for the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), who could be quite the aide for the rebuild and should be considered at fourth overall. Selecting another top-flight talent to join the organization means that they can further along the rebuild and ensure there is depth in terms of prospects making their ways to the NHL level.

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The hope for the Red Wings is that whoever they take with the fourth overall pick can be an impact NHLer sooner rather than later to join the impressive crop of youngsters who are currently working their way towards the NHL roster.

Taking a look at Perfetti, he is one of about four different forwards who could be selected, but he is one that the Red Wings should make a case for and consider when picking fourth. Perfetti is a 5-foot-10, 185-pound center hailing from Canada.

His 2019-20 season saw Perfetti light it up in Saginaw, scoring 111 total points over 61 games played. His 111 total points came in the form of 37 goals and 74 assists for the Spirit of the OHL, making him one of the desirable talents in the upcoming draft.

Some rankings have Perfetti as high as fourth, and others have him slotted consistently around sixth, but the Red Wings need to give him some consideration with their pick. Perfetti’s abilities make him valuable; he is shifty and able to play both zones well.

It has been noted that Perfetti can use his shiftiness to make things happen in the offensive zone, but he also excels in the defensive zone playing smart hockey.

Some scouts have noted that his “explosiveness” needs to develop further and take away from him being a “sniper,” but the opportunity is still there for him.

Perfetti would be a substantial addition for the Red Wings at fourth, offering plenty of upside, similar to some of the other candidates. The Red Wings have players like Lucas Raymond, Marco Rossi, and Alexander Holtz to consider, but Perfetti is one they also need to consider.

With the fourth overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, the Detroit Red Wings need to make sure they consider center Cole Perfetti.