Detroit: Top players to watch in the Prospect Tournament

The Prospects Tournament will begin in less than two weeks, and the Detroit Red Wings have several top prospects participating in the tournament. Detroit’s roster consists of 14 players drafted by Detroit, two were signed to AHL deals after completing careers in the NCAA, and eight are free agent invitees.

Here is a look at three top prospects participating for the Red Wings.

Simon Edvinsson, LD

Simon Edvinsson was the 6th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Edvinsson played 54 regular season games for Frolunda in the SHL before signing a three-year entry-level contract with Detroit. Last season, Edvinsson played 44 regular season games in the SHL and scored two goals, 17 assists, 19 points, and had a +13 rating. The 17 assists were the highest total for a junior-aged player in the SHL. His play was highly regarded as he won the Eliteprospects.com Award as the Best Junior in the SHL. Edvinsson will make the move to North America this year and will make a push for a roster spot in Detroit. With a full roster in Detroit, Edvinsson will likely start his season in Grand Rapids (AHL). Edvinsson recently participated in the WJC-20, where he helped guide Sweden to a Bronze Medal.

Sebastian Cossa, G

Sebastian Cossa was the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Immediately after being drafted, Cossa signed a three-year entry-level contract with Detroit. Cossa played 98 regular season games over three seasons for Edmonton in the WHL. Last season, Cossa played 46 regular season games for Edmonton, securing a 33-9-3 record, 2.28 GAA, .913 SV%, and six shutouts. Cossa was nominated to the First All-Star Team in the WHL Central Division. He also led his team to a WHL Championship. Cossa will turn 20 in November, making it unlikely that he will return to Edmonton for his over-age season. Training camp will determine where Cossa will start the season. He will likely either be the backup in Grand Rapids (AHL) or the top goaltender in Toledo (ECHL). Cossa recently participated in the WJC-20, where he started one game on Canada’s Gold Medal winning team.

Elmer Soderblom, LW

Elmer Soderblom was originally drafted in the 6th round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Soderblom has been viewed as a late-bloomer because of his enormous size (6’8″, 249 lbs). Soderblom has now grown into his body and is a dominating force on the ice. Last season, Soderblom was the top U21 scorer in the SHL. He played 52 regular season games for Frolunda and scored 21 goals, 12 assists, 33 points, and had a -10 rating. In June, Soderblom signed his three-year entry-level contract with Detroit. He will make the move to North America and will most likely start the season in Grand Rapids (AHL).

Cross Hanas, LW

Cross Hanas was originally drafted 55th overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Hanas played 196 regular games for Portland in the WHL and signed his three-year entry-level contract with Detroit in March. Last season, Hanas was the highest-scoring prospect in the Detroit system. In 63 regular season games, Hanas scored 26 goals, 60 assists, 86 points, and had a +31 rating. Hanas was nominated to the First All-Star Team in the WHL US Division. Hanas will turn professional this season and likely start his career with Grand Rapids (AHL).