Detroit got full value with the 10 picks it used, starting with the selection of arguably the top offensive talent in the draft, Halifax right wing Filip Zadina, at No. 6. In his first season in North America, Zadina led rookies in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with 82 points (44 goals, 38 assists). Then at No. 30, the Red Wings selected skilled, hardworking center Joseph Veleno.
"We were surprised (Zadina was available)," Red Wings GM Ken Holland told NBCSN on Friday. "Obviously we thought Zadina would go in the top five, and we're certainly thrilled to get him. A guy that can score. You always need scoring. And then obviously with Joe Veleno, we got great speed. … We're happy with two high-skilled players."
In the second round (No. 36), they picked Halifax defenseman Jared McIsaac, who was No. 13 on Central Scouting's final ranking of North American players. Third-round pick (No. 67) Alec Regula of London (6-3, 203) won't turn 18 until Aug. 6 but was second among OHL rookie defensemen with 25 points (seven goals, 16 assists). Madison right wing Ryan O'Reilly, selected in the fourth round (No. 98), scored 21 goals in 45 USHL games.