Detroit Red Wings could eye down Jackson Smith with 13th overall pick in NHL entry draft
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Detroit Red Wings Set for 13th Pick in 2025 NHL Draft: Jackson Smith a Prime Target
The Detroit Red Wings are confirmed to select 13th overall in the first round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft after a slight drop due to the draft lottery.
The Red Wings have plenty of reason for positivity moving forward, as a wealth of young talent will likely be available.
Among the top prospects is Jackson Smith, a dynamic defenseman who could improve Detroit's blue line for many years to come, who could be a sleeper selection at thriteenth overall.
Smith is a standout with the Tri-City Americans in the WHL and is a two-way defender known for his offensive flair and defensive reliability.
In the 2024-25 season, he tallied up 11 goals and 54 points in 68 games, ranking among the top-10 WHL defensemen in scoring.
At 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, Smith's combined size, agility, makes him tough to play against.
«If you were to go into a lab and build the physical characteristics for an NHL defenseman, there's a good chance you'd get a lot of overlap with Smith. He has all the advantages that a sizeable defenseman would have, but his skating and mobility are what make him the first-round prospect he is.» - Kareem Elshafey
His vision and quick puck movement make him a potential NHL power-play asset, while his knack for shooting creates scoring chances via deflections or rebounds.
While not NHL-ready, Smith's development mirrors Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson, who took two years post-draft to become a top-pairing defenseman.
«Smith is a 'do it all' prospect. He averages north of 26 minutes per game of ice time in all situations and matches up to shut down top six forward groups on a nightly basis. Smith is an excellent skater. He has the legs to escape pressure and lead the rush on his own, plus the agility to walk the offensive blue line to open up shooting and passing lanes.» - Jason Bukala, Sportsnet
With Moritz Seider and Axel Sandin Pellikka anchoring the right side, Smith could pair with Edvinsson on the left.
| POLL | ||
MAI 12 | 112 ANSWERS Detroit Red Wings could eye down Jackson Smith with 13th overall pick in NHL entry draft Do you think the Detroit Red Wings should use their 13th overall pick on a defenseman? | ||
| Yes | 76 | 67.9 % |
| No | 36 | 32.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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