Red Wings: A closer look at the 2020 draft class, part two

Take a closer look at the Detroit Red Wings’ freshest crop of prospects, looking at part two of the draft class with an examination of the picks from rounds 4-7.

The dust has finally settled on the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. The Detroit Red Wings ended their draft with 12 total picks, bringing in a slew of fresh faces to the organization. From flashy forwards to stalwart goaltenders, General Manager (GM) Steve Yzerman did everything in his power to ensure future success for the Red Wings.

The first three rounds of the Red Wings’ results were already covered in a prior piece getting to know the draft class. Today, we’ll look at how the remainder of the draft stacked up. With three forwards, two defensemen, and a goalie, Yzerman worked magic to secure as many chances at success as he could with this draft class.

Whether you’re curious about titanic goalie Jan Bednar or Kienan Draper, the son of hometown hero Kris Draper, take a look at the rest of the draft’s results below!

Sam Stange – RW, 97th overall

Sam Stange is a curious case in the NHL draft class — he plays both hockey and baseball for the University of Wisconsin.

It’s clear that his baseball senses come in handy when he plays hockey due to his excellent hand-eye coordination.

Stange ended the 2019-20 season leading the Sioux City Musketeers of the USHL with 42 points in 44 games.

He’ll take a few years to develop properly, but he has the potential to play a solid bottom-six role if he can improve on the aspects of his game.

Jan Bednar – G, 107th overall

With future superstar Jarsolav Askarov and OHL star Nicolas Daws off the board, Yzerman ensured Detroit’s goaltending was in good hands by selecting Jan Bednar of the Czech Republic. Bednar is renowned for his athleticism and acrobatics despite his large 6’4″ frame.

Bednar has the potential to be a Petr Mrazek type goaltender — fast, confident, and bold with his plays. Having said that, it’s important to note that he’s often caught out of position trying to make highlight reel-worthy saves. He’ll spend a few years developing before earning ice time in the big leagues.

Alex Cotton – D, 132nd overall

Alex Cotton is somewhat of an anomaly in this year’s draft class. With an extra year of experience under his belt, the 19-year-old prospect reached career highs with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, scoring 67 points in 63 games.

Following Yzerman’s trend of drafting tall, imposing defensemen, Cotton, 6’2″, plays a mighty game on the ice, using his strength to overpower his opposition.

Kyle Aucoin – D, 156th overall

Kyle Aucoin, son of former NHL player Adrian Aucoin, plays a very similar style to his father. A levelheaded, two-way defenseman, Aucoin will play the next season with Harvard, hoping to improve on various aspects in his game.

He’ll need to bulk up more physically to compete on the bigger stage, but Harvard’s development program should serve as a boon to him in the coming years.

Kienan Draper – RW, 187th overall

If Kienan Draper’s last name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s the son of the Red Wings’ Director of Amateur Scouting and former Selke-winning player Kris Draper. Where Kris played with a more defensive mindset, the name of Kienan’s game is offense.

Draper will spend the next season playing for the University of Miami, Ohio, where he’ll get the chance to develop at a more collegiate level.

Chase Bradley – LW, 203rd overall

The last pick in the Red Wings’ 2020 NHL Draft, Bradley, will spend the next season playing for Northeastern University, where he’ll have an opportunity to carve a name for himself in the collegiate league.

Bradley, a solid skater, will need to develop for a few years before he’s given a look, but he’ll be in good hands for the coming seasons.

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The Detroit Red Wings have closed out their draft and will now focus on free agency.

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