Yzerman Details Red Wings’ Strategy for 2024 NHL Entry Draft

General Manager Confident in Draft Approach, Talent at No. 15 Overall

With the 2024 NHL Entry Draft set for June 28-29 at Sphere in Las Vegas, Detroit Red Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman is preparing to follow his established draft strategy for the team’s first pick at No. 15 overall.

“We’re still focused on selecting the best prospect available,” Yzerman stated in a pre-draft Zoom call with the media on Friday morning. “However, if we find two or three prospects of similar caliber, we might consider our specific needs more closely. Ultimately, though, we aim to choose the best prospect.”

The Red Wings have eight picks in this year’s draft. As Yzerman and his scouting team finalize their draft board without knowing which prospects will be available at No. 15, adhering to their strategy remains crucial.

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“We value that 15th pick highly,” Yzerman said. “It’s critical to choose a player who can make an impact in the NHL. It’s not as straightforward as it might seem. When picking high, it’s essential to secure a top-tier prospect, regardless of their position.”

While trades are always a possibility, Yzerman is comfortable with retaining Detroit’s first-round pick.

“I’m not rushing to trade our first-round pick,” Yzerman said. “I’m open to it, though. We traded a first-round pick for Alex DeBrincat last summer, which turned out to be a late first-rounder for Ottawa. But I don’t foresee making a trade involving the 15th pick at this point.”

In the 2023 NHL Draft, Detroit selected four forwards, five defensemen, and two goaltenders. As the Red Wings continue to build their roster with young talent through the draft, Yzerman emphasizes the importance of maintaining depth across all positions.

“You need to consider the number of prospects you have at each position because eventually, they need playing opportunities,” Yzerman said. “This is less of an issue for forwards but a significant one for goaltenders since teams usually have five or six in their system.”

Overseeing his fifth draft as Red Wings GM, Yzerman acknowledges the difficulty in predicting a prospect’s success in the NHL. Therefore, he focuses on potential.

“We aim to draft kids who we believe are excellent prospects and will develop into great players,” Yzerman said. “Their specific roles will become clear over time.”

While this year’s draft is set for Las Vegas, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman mentioned at the 2023 NHL Global Series in Sweden that the league is considering a more decentralized draft format starting in 2025.

Regarding this potential change, Yzerman expressed openness to the new format.

“There are advantages to everyone being in one place, but I prefer being in the room with our staff,” Yzerman said. “It’s quieter and less chaotic. Even casual conversations at the draft can feel like you’re eavesdropping. I’d much rather work in our own space.”