The Detroit Red Wings must address these 3 needs through the NHL draft

The Detroit Red Wings have been in a perpetual rebuild since 2019. While prospects continue to trickle in, the team isn't a finished product by far.

With their last cup win in 2008, they need to re-evaluate their game plan, as Yzerman's current direction isn't working out.

While it is enticing to grab some NHL talent at 13th overall, trading that pick for a player who could add some skill and scoring depth right away, they could still come away with promising prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft.

The Detroit Red Wings could use a two-way forward who can get in the dirty areas, isn't afraid of laying a hit, and can score a puck.

With the Panthers on the cusp of a Finals repeat, cementing their dynasty in the NHL, they have an identity. The talent is spread across the lineup, and none of them are afraid to agitate their opponent and play like every game matters.

The Red Wings could add some more talent who is difficult to play against, and at 13th overall, they could find a comparable to Matthew Tkachuk in: Roger McQueen, Brady Martin, and Carter Bear.

Middle-Six Options

It's not a given that Patrick Kane and Jonatan Berggren will be around forever wearing a winged wheel. In that event, the team will need to fill out the scoring depth on the roster.

While the team doesn't have guaranteed NHLers in Dmitry Buchelnikov and Amadeus Lombardi, they'll need placeholders at least until they know, or they could promote them in the lineup. You have middle-six scoring options outside of the 13th pick, but it'll be players such as Cole McKinney, Alexander Zharovsky, and Vaclav Nestrasil.

The Red Wings need help in the top four of the blueline. While it is coming together, the puzzle isn't complete. With Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson rounding out the top four, the Wings will have to plan for the future.

Players like Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Albert Johansson could be potential top-four blueliners depending on how they develop and find their game in the NHL.

As time marches on, Yzerman will have to plan for beyond this season and who could find themselves as another anchor in the lineup. With a need for a high-end prospect on the blueline, they could find one in Jackson Smith, Kashawn Aitcheson, and Cameron Reid.