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The fireworks could begin early and often on Friday from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia with the NHL world congregating tonight for the opening round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
As discussed in my most recent blog yesterday, I don’t envision GM Ken Holland and the Red Wings pulling the trigger on a major player deal this weekend, despite TSN’s Darren Dreger’s attempt to get Wing fans going with the mention of the Red Wings inquiring about both Tyler Myers (Buffalo) or Keith Yandle (Phoenix) to upgrade their blueline.
Realistically, Detroit’s likely course of action is to attempt to protect their assets and procure a UFA dman to round out their top 4 BEFORE actually making a trade to address that need. I still believe their ultimate preference in free agency is former San Jose Sharks rearguard Dan Boyle. Nevertheless, I would be stunned if Detroit made a trade for one of these blueliners before July 1st. If they are able to acquire a player like Boyle and get him to agree to a desirable term for the Wings (2 years), he would be the perfect veteran rearguard to aid the club in transitioning the likes of Ryan Sproul and Xavier Ouellet.
With the Edmonton Oilers this week signing Nikita Nikitin to a 2-year, $9 million contract though, Boyle certainly will not come cheap. The trade scenario for Detroit is the likely fallback option if free agency is unsuccessful, as Boyle isn’t the sole alternative available.
Meanwhile, Friday night’s draft provides the Red Wings with an opportunity to replenish their depth in the organization at various positions. After needlessly parting with a solid prospect that plays down the middle in Calle Jarnkrok at the trade deadline, the sense is Detroit is likely to target a scoring pivot that can play center in tonight’s opening round.
The Red Wings likely have a three year window to find a player who can attempt to fill a portion of the huge offensive void that will be left once Pavel Datsyuk retires or returns to Russia. The cheapest and most efficient way to try and do that would be to develop that player internally.
Whether Detroit remains at the 15th overall pick or decides to move down is a reasonable question given Holland’s track record of moving down to obtain another pick in the 2nd or 3rd round. Given the absence of this year’s 2nd round pick (owned by Nashville), many people are expecting Detroit to follow this trend that has taken place for them in four of the past eight drafts. Yet, if the Wings really like someone they might make their highest selection in Round 1 of the draft since Martin Lapointe in 1991 (10th overall).
Here are some of the potential players I think Detroit is considering in Round 1:
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Robby Fabbri, C, 5'10", 172 lb., Guelph (OHL)
Took his game to another level following a 10 game suspension that cost him the entire month of November .. December witnessed him tally a goal-per-game as the undersized pivot exploded offensively after pairing up with Guelph’s trade deadline acquisition of Kerby Rychel .. put the team on his shoulders and helped to establish team regular season records for most points (108), most goals (340) and wins (52) .. Fabbri brings brilliance and excitement to every shift making things happen with his quick hand skills and intimidating speed, pushing defenders on their heels .. attacks scoring chances with vigour and never gives up on a play regardless of the score .. despite being considered undersized by NHL standards he possesses a pit bull mentality and is constantly involved in the attack, never backing down from the opposition .. skating is crisp and fast, his edge work and balance keep him involved against bigger players in scrums .. always in motion not taking any short cuts in his game opting to take the most direct route(s) to the net .. backed with a wide arsenal of shots, his wrist and snap shots marked improvement since the beginning of the season .. led the Guelph Storm to an OHL Championship and was awarded OHL Playoff MVP (16-13-15-28). ---McKeen’s Hockey 2014 NHL Draft Guide
Dylan Larkin, C, 6'1", 190, USNTDP (USHL)
A Jack-of-all-trades Larkin plays a staunch two-way game as Team USA’s second line centre behind Jack Eichel finishing fourth in team scoring (55-29-23-52) .. more of a shooter than a passer, lacks creativity in his game at times not hesitating to get into better positions to unload his potent slap shot, often overlooking a pass to do so .. determined and strong willed, he muscles his way into the offensive zone .. incredibly strong technical skater, edges dig into the ice producing alarming rates of speed which he sustains the full length of the ice .. fearless competitor who takes direct routes to the net, not afraid to get hit and playing with reckless abandonment .. plays a 200 foot game readily coming back to diligently pick up his man .. shows an attention to detail in defensive situations that is well ahead of his peer group .. intelligently positions himself well in the neutral zone to cut down the oppositions angles forcing them to the boards away from the centre of the ice .. Larkin plays bigger than his size and will need to add another 20 pounds to his frame to continue to play this style at the NHL level to avoid injury. ---McKeen’s Hockey 2014 NHL Draft Guide
Adrian Kempe, C/LW
Played 45 games in the SHL with MODO this season, the most of all NHL draft eligible prospects – yet was buried on the fourth line and saw more than 10 minutes of ice time in just 17 of those games .. powerful and explosive skater – generates dynamic speed crossing over with a galloping bow-legged style that is not the most economical in terms of efficiency and style .. very aggressive shooter and likes to challenge defenders one-on-one and force feed his shot .. stick-handling abilities are adequate but he needs work on his play-making skills .. did a much better job this season addressing his defensive play .. still incorporates wide, looping circles – especially in the neutral zone – but comes back deep to support his defence and uses his reach better .. would benefit from playing the body more intuitively in the defensive zone .. played well against his own age group as he captured a gold medal at the World U17 Challenge in 2013 and was a point-a-game player most recently at the 2014 World U18 Championships (7-1-6-7) .. Kempe has a good physical disposition but concerns about his true finishing touch will lower his status as a pro. ---McKeen’s Hockey 2014 NHL Draft Guide
Other potential high-end skilled forwards I think fit the bill of what Detroit is looking for in Round 1 would include: Kevin Fiala (HV71 in Sweden), Jakub Vrana (Linkoping in Sweden), Nikolai Goldobin of Sarnia (OHL) and Sonny Milano of USNTDP (USHL).
You can never have enough blueline prospects in the system and a couple of defenseman Detroit may look towards if they move down to the final third of the opening round are Swede Marcus Pettersson from Skelleftea of the SHL or Roland McKeown from Kingston (OHL).
Enjoy draft day everyone!!!
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mark.spizzirri@hockeybuzz.com