It’s getting to be that time of year for the Red Wings and their fans.
School is almost out and vacation plans are being made. Hockey people are sequestered in video rooms or rinks across North America and Europe. Many folks are preparing for next month’s NHL Draft in Las Vegas.
The top pick is no mystery. The San Jose Sharks own it, and Macklin Celebrini is their man.
After that, Michigan State defenseman Artyom Levshunov. forward Ivan Demidov, defenseman Sam Dickinson, forward Cayden Lindstrom and defenseman Anton Silayev are all potential top-five picks.
The Red Wings are nowhere near the top five, as you know. They are picking No. 15, close to the midpoint of the draft.
There is no shortage of speculation as to who goes where after the top spot. Here are the players who pundits think will be available when the Red Wings make their choice:
The Chosen Ones?
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, F, Mora (Allsvenskan): A native of Norway, Brandsegg-Nygard made a name for himself in Sweden. He had eight goals in 41 regular-season games at Mora and four in 12 playoff games. He is a smart two-way player with good speed and a good shot.
Bennett Sennecke, F, Oshawa: Has shown a lot of growth this season, with 21 goals and 68 points in the regular season and 10 goals and 22 points in the postseason. He draws praise for his ability and his poise.
Cole Eiserman, F, US NTDP: Red Wings fans won’t have trouble learning how to pronounce Cole’s last name (it’s pronounced like a certain Red Wings GM). This Eiserman can score —25 goals in 24 games this season, but consistency is an issue.
Michael Hage, F, Chicago (USHL): Another scorer, with 33 goals in 54 games. He earns high marks for his shot and passing ability and some think if he was a little better on defense, he would go higher in the draft. If he’s drafted, the Wings can keep an eye on his progress at the University of Michigan this winter.
