With Sebastian Cossa no longer towering over the Detroit Red Wings' roster, the team finds itself in need of some height and presence. Enter Brooks Rogowski, a Michigan State-bound prospect who stands at an imposing 6-foot-7 and weighs in at 236 pounds.
Still available at pick No. 47, Rogowski might just be the answer for the Red Wings.
Hailing from Michigan, he showcased his potential with 15 goals and 27 assists, totaling 42 points for Oshawa in the Ontario Hockey League.
While the Red Wings typically adhere to a "best-available player" strategy, their prospect list could certainly benefit from a few more centers. Let's dive into some potential picks who might still be on the board when Detroit makes its move 15 picks into the second round:
Markus Ruck, Medicine Hat (WHL)
Markus Ruck's twin brother was snapped up by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round, and there's a strong possibility they might reunite the duo by picking Markus at No. 39.
However, nothing's set in stone. With an impressive 21 goals and 108 points in the Western Hockey League, Ruck's talent is undeniable, making him a tempting option for the Red Wings.
Adam Valentini, Michigan (NCAA)
Valentini's name has been floated in several mock drafts as a potential pick for Detroit. The Red Wings' familiarity with Valentini runs deep, as he played alongside the sons of Detroit assistant general managers Kris Draper and Shawn Horcoff.
Though he's on the smaller side, Valentini's tenacity on the ice is reminiscent of a Tasmanian Devil. He's a relentless forechecker and racked up 27 points in 40 games.
Ryder Cali, North Bay (OHL)
At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, Ryder Cali brings the size and strength that could eventually see him develop into a formidable NHL power forward. Though projected as a first-round pick in several mock drafts, he remains available. Cali's instincts are sharp, and while he needs time to fully mature his game, his 36 points in 47 games last season speak to his potential.
Yegor Shilov, Victoriaville (QMJHL)
Yegor Shilov is a pure offensive talent, netting 32 goals and amassing 82 points in 63 games. Standing 6-foot and weighing 177 pounds, Shilov could benefit from adding some muscle to his frame. His game is all about skill and flair, and sometimes, taking a chance on such a player can pay off big if the rest of his game comes together.
The Red Wings have options, and with their strategic approach, they're poised to make a pick that could bolster their roster for seasons to come.
In Other News...
Yzerman Just Raised The Stakes Around Detroits Core Identity
Steve Yzerman spent part of his latest media availability outlining a familiar offseason balancing act, the kind that comes with trying to push a team forward without losing sight of what still makes it tick. For Detroit, that meant talking about Patrick Kane as a pending unrestricted free agent and signaling a desire to keep him around, a nod to the offense and veteran presence he brought while the Red Wings continue sorting out their next step.
The bigger layer is the one hanging over the rosters identity. Yzerman also addressed Dylan Larkins situation, and while the captains status has become part of the conversation, nothing was framed as final or guaranteed. For a team trying to define itself around its core, that leaves Detroit in a delicate spot, weighing leadership, scoring, and continuity all at once while the rest of the market keeps moving around it. [Read more 🡒]
Red Wings May Be Near A Roster Decision Fans Saw Coming
With the NHL buyout window set to open June 30, Detroit is already weighing whether it makes sense to shake up the roster for the sake of flexibility. The Red Wings are looking at one of their recent contract decisions with a colder eye now, because a move like this would not be about escaping a cap crisis so much as creating a little more room to maneuver as they sort out the next wave of players.
The appeal is straightforward: a buyout would clear a spot for younger talent and give the front office more options as it balances the present against what comes next. It would also push the financial pain further down the road, which is why this is the kind of decision teams only make when they believe the short-term roster gain is worth the longer cap trail. [Read more 🡒]
Steve Yzerman Just Turned Up The Pressure In Dylan Larkin Saga
Steve Yzermans latest comments only added more weight to a situation that already had the attention of every Red Wings fan. The Detroit general manager said Dylan Larkin still has five years left on his contract, a reminder that this is not a simple matter of timing or convenience. It is the kind of awkward star-player crossroads that can force a front office to balance loyalty, leverage and the long view all at once.
Yzerman also made clear he is not promising to hand over control of the outcome, which is where the tension now sits. Larkins camp, through agent Pat Brisson, has stayed engaged in the discussion and is working toward a resolution, but there is no neat finish line yet. For a team that has built so much of its identity around Larkin, the next move matters far beyond one contract situation. [Read more 🡒]