Yzerman discusses strategy, options ahead of 2023 NHL Entry Draft

DETROIT -- Since re-joining the Detroit Red Wings organization as Executive Vice President and General Manager in 2019, Steve Yzerman has been clear that he is willing to explore all available options to guide the club back into Stanley Cup contention.

With multiple first and second-round picks in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, which will be held June 28-29 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, the Red Wings have an opportunity to add promising young talent to the organization. Additionally, with 10 picks in the draft, Detroit has a chance to get creative with its draft capital, whether it be trading for additional assets or proven NHL players.

But for now, according to Yzerman, he expects the Red Wings to keep their first-round draft positions, currently slated for No. 9 and No. 17 overall.

"I don't really anticipate moving the ninth pick," Yzerman said in

. "In all likelihood, I expect to use the 17th pick on the first night of the draft as well. It certainly does give you options."

Aside from the Red Wings' pair of first-round selections, the club is set to make three consecutive second-round picks (No. 41-43 overall).

"I've never had three picks in a row, particularly three in the second round," Yzerman said. "That's interesting. Those picks tend to be valuable if you look at every team's draft grid, a lot of them don't have first or second-round picks and potentially are looking to acquire that."

When speaking about Detroit's draft strategy, Yzerman said the Red Wings are "not necessarily targeting any one particular position."

"We'll simply go with who we think the best prospect is at that point in the draft," he said. "Again, if we look at our board after the first five picks and we drafted five centermen, we'll probably look to draft a different position moving on."

As important as qualities like size, skill and strength are during the evaluation process, Yzerman said that a prospect's character is a significant consideration for the Red Wings' amateur scouting staff.

"The biggest issue is that they're 17 and 18 years old for the most part," Yzerman said. "Trying to really predict what they're gonna be when they're 23, 24 or 25 is the most difficult thing. Our own kids, not even hockey players or athletes, go in a lot of different directions."

This marks Yzerman's fourth draft since taking over as the Red Wings' GM. Since then, Detroit has drafted five players (Moritz Seider, Lucas Raymond, Elmer Soderblom, Simon Edvinsson and Marco Kasper) who have made it to the NHL level.

"What I'm trying to do is build a nucleus of young players that is gonna be the core of the team for a significant period of time," Yzerman said.

Yzerman has also demonstrated a willingness to make draft-day trades to acquire immediate help. On Day 2 of last year's draft, Detroit acquired goalie Ville Husso from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for a 2022 third-round pick.

"I'm trying to build a core that starts around Dylan Larkin," Yzerman said. "If we're gonna move our picks or any of our prospects, it's got to be a player that we're comfortable with what it's going to cost to acquire him, the contract and how long he's gonna be part of things."

Regardless of the direction the Red Wings decide to proceed next Wednesday, Yzerman views the 2023 Draft class as one of the strongest in recent memory.

"Today, we think it looks like a pretty good draft," Yzerman said. "We know it's a real good draft at the top and going through it, time will tell. We feel pretty good about not only having those three seconds, but our third-round pick and beyond that."

Red Wings set to host Hockeytown Draft Party on Wednesday, June 28

The Red Wings are set to host the fourth annual Hockeytown Draft Party, presented by Bud Light, next Wednesday as the club welcomes the newest draftees into the organization with Detroit's pair of 2023 first-round picks.

The free ticketed event is open to fans of all ages to watch the draft broadcast live on the outdoor Chevrolet Plaza video board outside Little Caesars Arena. Fans in attendance can enjoy live music, games, special prizes and autograph signings as well as photo opportunities with Red Wings alumni. To claim your free tickets, click

here

.

The Draft Party begins at 6 p.m., and the 2023 NHL Entry Draft begins with first-round coverage at 7 p.m. from Bridgestone Arena. Rounds 2-7 will take place Thursday, June 29, beginning at 11 a.m.