AFTER MAKING 20 selections the past two years, this summer’s eight picks makes it a relatively quiet draft. But what is certain is that the Red Wings will maintain the same resoluteness in their drafting. Under GM Steve Yzerman, Detroit has delivered some draft-day surprises by flying in the face of pundits’ projections – and done so to great effect.
IMMEDIATE NEEDS: Four double-digit goal-scorers are eligible to leave as UFAs this summer. Detroit needs to replace that offense, beginning with the spark provided by Patrick Kane. Kane’s offensive impact – he scored nearly a point per game – helped keep the Wings in the playoff hunt until the final days of the schedule. Detroit needs to either re-sign Kane or find a similarly effective option via trade or free agency,…
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The Hockey News (Digital) - 1 Issue, Draft Preview 2024