Red Wings prospect Dylan James ready for next chapter of NHL pursuit

DETROIT -- Dylan James was watching the 2022 NHL Entry Draft with his family in Calgary, Alberta, when he heard his name called as the 40th overall pick.

But James, who described the moment as "an exciting time," couldn't fully celebrate just yet.
"My (streaming) feed was actually a little delayed, so I saw the person before me, his clips going out," James said. "Then I heard my name called and I didn't know what team was up next. Twenty seconds later, it was the Red Wings."

The 6-foot, 181-pound forward prospect said he talked to several interested NHL teams before July's draft and is thrilled to join the Red Wings organization.
"I'm pumped to be with Detroit," James said. "Once I found out, I was pretty stoked."
Last season, James was named the United States Hockey League's Rookie of the Year after tallying 61 points (28-33-61) in 62 regular-season games with the Sioux City Musketeers. He also had five goals and three assists in 10 postseason games, helping the Musketeers win the 2021-22 Clark Cup championship.

Despite his standout 2021-22 campaign, James admitted he was nervous coming into the USHL.
"I hadn't played in a season," said James, who played just seven games with the Alberta Junior Hockey League's Okotoks Oilers in 2020-21 due to the pandemic. "After Christmas, I played my best. I felt I was getting comfortable with the city, the new teammates, I didn't know any of them before, and the coaches and what they wanted out of me."
According to the 18-year-old, his speed is his best asset.
"I use it to forecheck and limit the D's time and space," he said. "I love doing that."

And as much as James focuses on contributing offensively, he also works hard at being a reliable defensive player.
"I like to take pride in my defense," James said. "My offense comes from that. I'm usually on the defensive side of the puck."
Last month, James focused on improving his overall game at the Red Wings' Development Camp at Little Caesars Arena. And looking ahead to the 2022-23 season, James is excited to continue his evolution in his freshman season at the University of North Dakota.
"I'm just going to go there and work really hard," James said. "Nothing's given to you there. I'll just go and try to get better every day."