The Red Wings Could Construct An Elite Blue Line With 13th Overall Pick in 2025

The Detroit Red Wings could pass on utilizing the 13th overall draft pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. But considering the holes left in the lineup, that'd be inadvisable.

This NHL draft may not be the deepest, but the prospects available could help push the rebuild forward for the team.

Here are a few blueliners the team could take at 13th overall if they're left.

Kashawn Aitcheson could add a lot of meaningful depth to the Red Wings' prospect pool and defense.

With the Barrie Colts this season, he scored a total of 26 goals and 59 points in 64 games.

Aitcheson not only has offensive upside, being able to contribute to the rush and taking shots from the point, but he's got a mean streak too. He plays a physical game, as he isn't a stranger to sacrificing his body to block a shot, laying hits, and being a nuisance in the front of the net.

While his defensive skills aren't anything to sneeze at, as he tries to keep players at the perimeter, utilizing his stick to create turnovers and blocking passing lanes.

At 13th overall, he may be a steal for the Red Wings if Yzerman could land him.

Radim Mrtka could be another obvious selection if he drops further than 11th to 13th. He's a mobile defenseman who has played his junior career with the Seattle Thunderbirds in the WHL.

He's a right-handed, 6'6", 216-pound defenseman who scored 35 points (3-32) this season.

Mrtka projects to be a solid two-way performer, as his size and puck-handling skills lend well to his offensive upside, however, he'll have to develop some power behind his shot.

There's speculation Mrtka could develop into a top-four defenseman in the NHL, and if he's developed correctly in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins, it's not unreasonable to think so.