Detroit Red Wings Learn 2024 NHL Draft Pick Fate
The Detroit Red Wings will be picking in the middle of the first round
The Detroit Red Wings are set to enter the 2024 NHL Draft with the 15th overall pick, a position that was highly anticipated based on their standings at the end of the season. Despite the hopes for a better outcome, the results from Tuesday’s NHL draft lottery confirmed their placement, in line with the 99.5% probability they faced prior to the drawing.
Draft Lottery Dynamics
The draft lottery saw the San Jose Sharks clinch the first overall pick, an outcome expected given their 18.5% odds after finishing last in the league standings. The Chicago Blackhawks, with a 13% chance, secured the second pick, shaping up what promises to be an intriguing draft event. The lottery results have set the stage for the upcoming draft, scheduled to take place from June 28-29 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, with the first round unfolding on the initial day followed by rounds 2-7 on the subsequent day.
Red Wings’ Draft History and Recent Performance
Since the end of their remarkable 25-season playoff streak in 2017, the Red Wings have found themselves frequently visiting the draft lottery but have never secured a pick higher than fourth, which they achieved in 2020. The team’s recent performance in the 2023-24 season saw them narrowly miss a playoff spot, edged out by a tiebreaker. This near-miss meant that they were positioned too high in the standings to have a shot at the very top picks; under the rules, the highest they could have moved up was to the No. 5 pick, as teams can only advance a maximum of 10 slots in the draft order.
Implications for the Red Wings
Holding the 15th pick, the Red Wings will look to the draft as an opportunity to add a high-caliber player to their roster, aiming to bolster their lineup and enhance their competitive edge for the upcoming seasons. While not positioned to pick from the very top of the draft class, history has shown that talent can be found throughout the first round. The management will be tasked with making a strategic selection that aligns with the team’s needs and future development plans.
