The Detroit Red Wings have some young guns on the right-wing, but there is a need to acquire more depth throughout the organization. Lucas Raymond was terrific during his first year in the NHL, and Filip Zadina has the potential to be an impact player.
Here is a look at Detroit’s organizational depth at right wing.
Returning Right Wingers
Lucas Raymond
Age: 20
GP: 82
G: 23
A: 34
PTS: 57
+/-: -32
Lucas Raymond recently completed a terrific rookie season in the NHL. Raymond was one of the top rookie scorers in the NHL and will be a building block in the Red Wings’ future. Raymond has two years remaining on the entry-level contract that will pay him $925,000 annually.
Oskar Sundqvist
Age: 28
GP: 59
G: 8
A: 15
PTS: 23
+/-: +5
Oskar Sundqvist was acquired at the trade deadline from St. Louis as part of the Nick Leddy trade. Sundqvist is a veteran of seven NHL seasons. Sundqvist has one year remaining before he can become a UFA next summer. He has a cap hit of $2.75M next year.
Givani Smith
Age: 24
GP: 46
G: 4
A: 3
PTS: 7
+/-: -6
Givani Smith just completed his first full season in the NHL. He has now played 83 career regular-season games, all with Detroit. Smith will have a cap hit of $750,000 in the last year before he can become an RFA.
Restricted Free Agents
Filip Zadina
Age: 22
GP: 74
G: 10
A: 14
PTS: 24
+/-: -24
Filip Zadina recently completed his entry-level contract with Detroit. He has played 160 games over four seasons in the NHL. Last year, Zadina had a cap hit of $894,167, and he will be looking for an increase during what will likely be a bridge contract before he can become a UFA.
Right Wingers in the System
Pontus Andreasson
2021-2022 Team: Lulea HF (SHL)
Age: 23
GP: 52
G: 18
A: 20
PTS: 38
+/-: +19
Pontus Andreasson recently signed a one-year free-agent contract with Detroit. Andreasson went undrafted but has moved up through the professional ranks in Sweden. Last year, Andreasson led the SHL playoffs in goals scored with eight. Andreasson will have a cap hit of $842,500 if he plays in the NHL and $80,000 if he plays in the AHL. Andreasson will be an RFA after next season.
Unsigned Right Wingers
Albin Grewe
2021-2022 Team: Mora IK (HockeyAllsvenskan)
Age: 21
GP: 32
G: 4
A: 13
PTS: 17
+/-: -2
Albin Grewe started last year with Ilves (Liiga) and finished the year back in Sweden with Mora IK. Grewe needs to show that he can earn a contract before Detroit loses his rights next June. Grewe will begin next year back with Mora IK (HockeyAllsvenskan).
Ryan O’Reilly
2021-2022 Team: Arizona State Univ. (NCAA)
Age: 22
GP: 31
G: 6
A: 5
PTS: 11
+/-: -9
Ryan O’Reilly recently completed his sophomore season at Arizona (NCAA). O’Reilly will return for his junior year in the fall. Detroit will retain O’Reilly’s rights until June 2024.
Sam Stange
2021-2022 Team: Univ. of Wisconsin (NCAA)
Age: 21
GP: 37
G: 4
A: 7
PTS: 11
+/-: -11
Sam Stange also recently completed his sophomore season in the NCAA. Stange will return to Wisconsin for his junior year next season. Detroit holds Stange’s rights until June 2024.
Kienan Draper
2021-2022 Team: Chilliwack (BCHL)
Age: 20
GP: 53
G: 23
A: 27
PTS: 50
Kienan Draper had a very good first season with Chilliwack (BCHL). Draper will attend the University of Michigan for his freshman season in the fall. Detroit holds Draper’s rights until June 2025.
Final Thoughts
The limited depth at right-wing will likely force Detroit to either draft some versatile wingers or prompt them to sign at least one UFA before next season. This year’s NHL Entry Draft is loaded with promising right-wing prospects. With the #8 pick, Detroit will be tempted to draft Joakim Kemell, Frank Nazar, Danila Yurov, Jonathan Lekkerimaki, or Brad Lambert. There are numerous players Detroit could draft, and it will be exciting to see who General Manager Steve Yzerman announces at the draft in July.
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