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THE FRUITS OF GM Steve Yzerman’s labor are beginning to blossom. Six of the draft picks Detroit has made since Yzerman took over as GM of the club in 2019 are now wearing the Winged Wheel. Lucas Raymond (4th overall in 2020) and Marco Kasper (8th in ’22) skate on the top line with captain Dylan Larkin. Moritz Seider (6th in ’19) and Simon Edvinsson (6th in ’21) are top-four D-men. Beyond them, Albert Johansson (60th in ’19) has been playing alongside Edvinsson, and massive winger Elmer Soderblom (159th in ’19) was summoned in late January from AHL Grand Rapids for his second NHL look.
D, 19, 5-11, 176 lbs
Skelleftea (Swe.)
2023 draft, 17th overall
OVERALL 9
The slick Swede was named top D-man at the WJC for the second year in a row, joining Wings icon Slava Fetisov as the only blueliners to do so in tournament history. He led Swedish League ‘D’ in scoring before leaving for Ottawa. Sandin-Pellikka can carry the puck up ice, run a PP and create chances with quick movement and passing skills. “He looks like a talented young defenseman,” Yzerman said. “He’s playing in the Swedish Elite League, which is a very good league, doing well.”
C, 20, 6-1, 190
Grand Rapids (AHL)
2023 draft, 9th overall
OVERALL 31
It took Danielson some time to find his footing as a first-year pro. He called it a big adjustment and said it took “five or six” games to feel normal. Detroit brass loves his 200-foot game. “He does everything right, and it shows in the way he handles himself and his maturity,” assistant player development director Dan Cleary said. Pat Kane, too, offered high praise: “A lot of skill. Kind of reminds me a little bit of (Connor) Bedard, the way he plays and the way he stickhandles and shoots.”
G, 20, 6-1, 194
Michigan State (Big Ten)
15-5-3, 2.07, .926
2023 draft, 41st overall
OVERALL 46
Augustine has helped lead Michigan State back to prominence and starred at the WJC, backstopping the U.S. to a second straight gold. He also played for his nation at the senior worlds last year against NHLers as a 19-year-old. The mature stopper is known for his unflappable nature and consistency. “When I watch Trey, he gives me a lot of confidence,” Cleary said. “He’s got a great demeanor about him. He’s got a calm, cool demeanor but competitive. That fire burns inside him.”
RW, 19, 6-1, 198
Skelleftea (Swe.)
2024 draft, 15th overall
OVERALL 48
Detroit wanted to fast-track ‘MBN’ to play with AHL Grand Rapids this season, but he returned to the SHL. He was sensational for Norway at last year’s worlds while playing on the top line with Mats Zuccarello and Patrick Thoresen. Brandsegg-Nygard’s quick release makes him dangerous around the net. “He’s kind of known as a shooter, but he’s a very smart player,” Grand Rapids center Amadeus Lombardi said. “He makes smart, nifty passes.” He’s also very willing to use his size to punish foes.
G, 22, 6-7, 220
Grand Rapids (AHL)
15-9-3, 2.25, .917
2021 draft, 15th overall
OVERALL 69
In his second full AHL year, Cossa has become a go-to goalie, earning selection to the AHL All-Star Game. “He reads plays well, and he can use his hands,” crease mate Ville Husso said. Cossa’s massive frame fills the net and lets him battle through screens. Cossa got his first taste of NHL action in a winning effort this year. He is a confident netminder who carries himself with swagger. “A lot of composure,” Wings blueliner Moritz Seider said. “I think he lives for those kinds of opportunities.”
LW, 22, 6-0, 188
Grand Rapids (AHL)
2021 draft, 70th overall
Undersized winger plays with ferocity but has also struggled to stay healthy.
LW, 21, 5-10, 163
Vityaz Moscow Region (KHL)
2022 draft, 52nd overall
Skilled winger leads his team in scoring. Selected to KHL All-Star Game.
C, 19, 6-1, 191
Kamloops (WHL)
2023 draft, 201st overall
Late pick quickly earned NHL deal. Strong skater plays a complete game. Born leader.
LW, 19, 5-11, 180
Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)
2024 draft, 47th overall
Tremendous hockey sense. Moves the puck really well. Very deceptive skater.
LW, 23, 6-8, 248
Grand Rapids (AHL)
2019 draft, 159th overall
Hulking winger uses size to protect the puck. Learning to be more physical.
