Red Wings Mock Draft 3.0: All 7 Rounds & Trades

It’s crunch time for the Detroit Red Wings. And with the 2023 NHL Draft around the corner, there’s time for one last mock draft before the real deal.

This time, we’re covering all seven rounds and considering trade opportunities. To do this, we’ll use Draft Prospects Hockey’s mock draft simulator. Let’s get started!

• Mock Draft 1.0
• Mock Draft 2.0
• The Grind Line Mock Draft

9. C Dalibor Dvorsky – AIK (HockeyAllsvenskan)

I’ve advocated for Dalibor Dvorsky many times in the last few months, and today’s mock draft is no different. 

Even though he’s one of the youngest players in the 2023 draft, Dvorsky is one of the most complete. He can be a driver offensively or serve as the finisher on a line. He can play center or wing, and can be trusted defensively regardless of where he lines up. Dvorsky is the real deal – he has the skill set and drive to reach his ceiling as a top-line forward. He would be a steal for the Red Wings if he falls to No. 9.

17. LW Colby Barlow – Owen Sound (OHL)

It came down to Colby Barlow or Tom Willander at No. 17. I ultimately chose the former for two reasons. First, Barlow’s goal-scoring abilities are undeniable. And second, the 2024 draft will be loaded with quality defensemen, so it’s fine to wait a year to use a first-round pick on a blueliner.

The talent is there to warrant a second-round selection. Plus, he’ll be close by next year in East Lansing – Strbak committed to play for Michigan State.

Red Wings Trade: Moving Back

After trading their third-round pick to Calgary, the Red Wings move back from No. 43 to add another third. The trade sends No. 43 to the Seattle Kraken for No. 57 and No. 84.

57. RW Coulson Pitre – Flint (OHL)

A teammate—and often linemate—of Amadeus Lombardi with the Flint Firebirds, Coulson Pitre is an underrated forward prospect who could develop into an effective NHLer. His above-average compete level and skating are his notable attributes, as are his soft hands around the net.

Given his connection to Lombardi and playing nearby in Flint, it’s safe to assume that Red Wings scouts have seen him quite a bit this season. No. 57 may be a little early for Pitre, but he fits the profile of recent Red Wings picks. Plus, Kris Draper has shown a willingness to draft players ahead of their public scouting rankings if they’re a good fit, which Pitre certainly is.

84. RW Connor Levis – Kamloops (WHL)

Kamloops forward Connor Levis has the makings of an intriguing power forward. He’s still a bit raw, but his pace, vision, and puck protection skills are noteworthy.

“Levis is a good-sized winger with strong puck skills and vision,” noted Corey Pronman of The Athletic (from “2023 NHL Draft ranking: Connor Bedard leads Corey Pronman’s tiers of the top 142 prospects”, The Athletic, 5/30/23). “Inside the offensive zone and on the power play he’s able to create for himself and his teammates because of his strong hands and vision. He has a decent shot but is more of a pass-first type of wing.”

117. RW Felix Unger Sörum – Leksands (J20 Nationell)

Another player on the younger side of the 2023 draft class, Felix Unger Sörum is an above-average playmaker who has some bite to his game. The 5-foot-11 winger can also play a defensive role if called upon.

There’s a good chance he’s selected before the fourth round, but it’s not impossible for him to fall to No. 117. That said, Unger Sörum isn’t a finished product. He still needs time to develop into a well-rounded player, rather than being a one- or two-trick pony.

137. C Cole Knuble – Fargo (USHL)

After attending Detroit’s development camp in 2022, might Cole Knuble be back as one of the organization’s 2023 draft picks? Knuble has improved his skating and puck-handling in the last year, and continues to be effective in the dirty areas. He had a fantastic 2022-23 season for the Fargo Force, scoring 30 goals and producing 66 points in 57 games. There’s a future in which Knuble develops into a depth NHLer – he’s headed to Notre Dame in the fall where he can continue to refine his game.

169. RD Sam Court – Brooks (AJHL)

Drafting right defenseman Sam Court in the sixth round would give the Red Wings more blue line depth. He’s on the smaller side (5-foot-10) and is an overager, but Court’s offensive abilities (72 points in 52 AJHL games) help him stand out as a potential hidden gem. He’s committed to New Hampshire where he’ll be able to develop for at least four years before the Red Wings need to decide whether or not they’ll sign him.

201. G Ruslan Khazheyev – Chelyabinsk (MHL)

To close out the mock, I have the Red Wings taking a flier on Russian goalie Ruslan Khazheyev. The 6-foot-4 netminder ranked ninth among international goalies in Central Scouting’s final rankings for 2023.

Final Word

In this mock draft, the Red Wings addressed their two highest priorities – adding goal-scoring forwards and right defensemen. In addition, several later round picks have the potential to develop into NHLers.