The Detroit Red Wings made a horrible mistake in this draft

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Finnegan Frost
June 21, 2024 (5:08 PM)

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When breaking down some of the past drafts for the Detroit Red Wings, one year in particular stands out as a huge mistake.

In 2018, the Detroit Red Wings selected Filip Zadina 6th overall. Zadina, who seemed to be a promising pick has turned out to be a huge bust so far in the NHL. He didn't last long in the Red Wings uniform, and found himself on the tail end of a trade to San Jose where he still hasn't been able to live up to the hype. Another standout player from that draft class is defenseman Evan Bouchard. The Oilers selected Bouchard 10th overall and he has proven to be one of the best modern day defenders of his era.

It seemed like a good choice at the time since few expected the offensively gifted winger to fall to No. 6. Had Zadina been taken earlier, the Red Wings would have selected defenseman Evan Bouchard, who was selected 10th by Edmonton. This has been confirmed privately over the years by people in the organization. As it turns out, Bouchard would have been an exponentially better choice.

With Bouchard breaking records in the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs, Red Wings fans can only wonder "what if" in a world where Evan Bouchard could have been playing in hockey town instead. Despite the poor selection in 2018, general manager Steve Yzerman looks ahead to this year's draft where he will have an important selection to make at 15th overall. Hopefully the Detroit Red Wings emerge as winners with no major regrets or disappointments.

source: Mlive
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