Key Details Detroit Red Wings fans must know about the upcoming NHL draft

The Detroit Red Wings are in better shape than they've been in years. With a young, talented core, the team is in a position to compete for a playoff spot for many years. Despite disappointments over the past seasons, General Manager Steve Yzerman must keep looking forward, with the NHL Draft being the next step.

With their 13th overall pick, the team has the opportunity to add a key prospect, which won't come around often in the coming years if the Wings become a true playoff team.

As we reported earlier today, the team met with several top prospects at the NHL Combine in Buffalo, including Carter Bear, Justin Carbonneau, and Victor Eklund.

In addition to that pick, the team has eight more picks in the draft: one in each round, with two third- and seventh-round picks.

That said, drafting isn't the only path forward. Yzerman could opt to be aggressive on the trade market, particularly considering how close the team is to making the playoffs.

Trading a few picks, or even the 13th overall, to land an impact player could be the kind of move Yzerman would consider in the current circumstances. After reports confirmed he was on the hot seat, he could be desperate to make moves to acquire players.

The Wings' prospect pool is already among the strongest in the league, and a few strategic moves could help it reach the next step.

The first round of the Draft will go down on Friday, June 27th, with the rest of the rounds happening the next day.

Stay tuned for further developments regarding the Detroit Red Wings and the NHL Draft.