Yzerman describes the Red Wings’ strategy and objectives for the NHL Entry Draft in 2024

DETROIT: The 2024 NHL Entry Draft is scheduled for June 28–29 at Sphere in Las Vegas, and one week from now, Executive Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman intends to stick to his regular draft approach when the Detroit Red Wings get their first pick at No. 15 overall.

Yzerman stated, “I think we’re still in that phase of taking the best prospect,” during a Friday morning pre-draft Zoom call with the media. Having stated that, we might consider necessity if there are two or three prospects that are roughly comparable. We’ll give that some more thought, but in the end, I believe we’ll choose the candidate we believe to be the best fit.

As of right now, the Red Wings have eight picks in the draft this year. Therefore, believing that method is crucial as Yzerman and his amateur scouting staff finalize their draft board, as they have no idea which prospects will be available when Detroit has the opportunity to select.

Yzerman stated, “We’re looking at that fifteenth pick, that’s still a pretty high pick.” It’s critical that we sign a talented player. It’s critical that we get a player who, in all honesty, represents us in the NHL. We would like to assume that it’s easy or automatic, but we really need that. Regardless of the position, you want to ensure that you are selecting a quality prospect when you are drafting high.

Even while trades are always a possibility, Yzerman stated he is content to retain Detroit’s single first-round pick.

Yzerman stated, “I’m not in a big hurry to be trading our first-round pick.” “I’d be willing to do it. We acquired Alex DeBrincat last summer in exchange for a first-round selection in this year’s draft. I’m not frightened to do it because it turned out to be Ottawa’s late first. However, I don’t see us making a trade that would require the 15th selection for a player at this time.

Detroit selected eleven players in the 2023 NHL Draft: two goalies, five defensemen, and four forwards. Additionally, according to Yzerman, it’s critical to preserve organizational depth even as the Red Wings continue to add young players through the draft.

“You have to think about how many prospects you have at each position because, in the end, you have to find a spot for them to play when they turn pro,” Yzerman stated. Forwards are not as much of a problem. Goalies are a concern because most teams have five or possibly six in their system.

It’s practically hard to forecast whether and for how long a prospect will thrive at the NHL level, according to Yzerman, the general manager of the Red Wings, who will be in charge of his fifth draft since taking over. He intends to pursue upside on the draft floor because of this.

“We’re just searching for young players who we believe have a lot of potential and will be excellent players,” Yzerman stated. “Whatever position they end up in will work itself out.”

Commissioner Gary Bettman stated during the 2023 NHL Global Series in Sweden that the league is considering introducing a more decentralized draft model beginning in 2025, despite the fact that this year’s draft will take place in Las Vegas.

Yzerman stated he would be amenable to the new system when questioned about his preferences on draft day.

“I like being in the room with our staff, but there are some advantages or conveniences to everyone being in one place at the same time,” Yzerman remarked. “There’s a little less noise, a little quieter. You want to talk to someone, even if you’re only passing by their table, but you can’t help but feel like you’re eavesdropping. Just a lot of activity. We should be in our own room, please.