Steve Yzerman has acquired the Detroit Red Wings an elite defenseman in the 2020 NHL draft

The Detroit Red Wings' prospect pool has been rated one of the best in the NHL by The Athletic's Scott Wheeler.

With the AHL squad going the distance in the Calder Cup race, it's difficult to argue, along with the fact that multiple prospects have graduated to the NHL this season, including Marco Kasper and Albert Johansson.

However, the defensive corp in the NHL is looking a bit thin lately, as the veteran talent hasn't been able to manage the load and Steve Yzerman may have to tap into Grand Rapids to find someone to bolster the blueline, who's best players at the moment, are Simon Edvinsson, and Moritz Seider.

One prospect who deserves a long look is William Wallinder.

Wallinder was originally a 32nd overall pick in the 2nd-round of the 2020 NHL Draft. He's played 127 games in Grand Rapids, scoring 34 total points (5-29) for the Griffins in that time period.

What makes Wallinder so good is the fact that he is a great skater and comes with a sizable frame that lends well to the rush.

He needs some work on his defensive game, as he's still considered a "raw" prospect, but he's only begun his career in the AHL, and isn't lacking in physicality either.

Wallinder offers an offensive upside with his great shot, which makes him a threat from the point.

Once he finds his game in the AHL and breaks out, we should see him and Axel Sandin-Pellikka in the top pair with the Griffins.

Wallinder is in the final year of his 3-year ELC, which pays him $925K AAV and will be an RFA upon its expiry in 2026.