Could this defender be the answer for Detroit?

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Finnegan Frost
June 19, 2024 (1:15 PM)

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With the 2024 NHL draft quickly approaching, the Detroit Red Wings find themselves looking for a defensive prospect to help bolster their back end.

It is no secret that selecting 15th overall has proven difficult over the year, but general manager Steve Yzerman is poised to make an important draft pick this year that could alter the course of the Red Wings' future success. The Red Wings struggled heavily on the blue line towards the end of the regular season last year, therefore many hockey enthusiasts are speculating that Yzerman should focus on selecting a top defensive prospect in this year's draft.

One candidate that Yzerman should not overlook is Stian Solberg. Solberg is a towering presence on the ice who's menacing game replicates players like Nikita Zadorov and Moritz Seider. The Red Wings could surely benefit on the blue line from that agressive style of play to help cushion them from opposing offensive threats.

"Stian Solberg is Norwegian defensemen that is mostly known for the physicality in his game, but he shows flashes of being more than a guy that hits people at the NHL level. Because of those flashes, including how he played while representing Norway at the World Championships back in April and May, he is shooting up people's rankings. If the Red Wings are interested, they probably have to take him at 15th overall to make it happen."

Last year, Solberg represented Vålerenga hockey club in Norway and notched 5 goals and added 10 assists and was a +15 rating. The Red Wings should consider selecting him 15th overall if they want to add a big defender with all-star potential.

source: The Hockey Writers
Red Wings 2024 Draft Targets: 5 Defensemen