The Red Wings could be in the mix to select many players at No. 15 in the NHL Draft, including Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Cole Eiserman and Michael Hage

For the first time since the start of their rebuild, the Detroit Red Wings will have to wait a while to make their first pick in the NHL Draft. In the '24 installment, they pick 15th, the latest opening pick to their draft class since 2016.

With such a late selection comes a blank canvas. Whereas earlier picks are almost telegraphed given the limited quantity of elite talent in each draft class, the middle of the first round doesn't have such a roadmap. Steve Yzerman and his staff will have a whole lot of decisions to make, but that shouldn't be a problem for a GM who has taken his fair share of draft swings even when everyone thought they had him figured out.

So who might the Red Wings add at No. 15? A better question might be who's available at No. 15. At this stage in the draft, other teams' risks and recusals make for a player pool that can vary tremendously compared to what's expected ahead of the draft. But for the sake of analysis, we'll focus on a few names today that the Red Wings might find available. Specifically, today we're going to look at forwards.

Cole Eiserman

OK, let's acknowledge the fact that Eiserman (pronounced Yzerman) going to Detroit would be intriguing on the whole name dynamic, but no one's taking a player solely for being a name twin. Instead, the Red Wings could find a potent scorer in Eiserman. 

Just a few weeks ago, Eiserman broke the U.S. National Team Development Program record for goals in a season. Cole Caufield, Patrick Kane, Auston Matthews, Phil Kessel — the names Eiserman outperformed is downright impressive. His release is quick, his aim precise. For a team like Detroit that could use some firepower in the prospect pool, he's a quality option.

Some of the scouting criticisms of Eiserman tend to focus on his off-puck play and his habits outside of scoring. While these are fair points, he's scoring at an automatic pace. Development at the college level with Boston University next season, and within the Red Wings organization, could help him round out his game. 

Last week, I wrote about how the best 15th picks are the ones who have an elite skill. Caufield's stick made him a great scorer for Montreal. Dylan Larkin's speed made him an X-factor for the Red Wings. Erik Karlsson's offensive playmaking and vision helped him become a stud for Ottawa. At 15th, it's better to swing on an elite skill rather than a safe, well-rounded player. Eiserman certainly fits this mantra.

Michael Brandsegg-Nygard

Michael Brandsegg-Nygard's name has been all over the latest mock drafts when it comes to Detroit's selection. He's a well-rounded winger who excels in the physical departments of the game. His compete level is high, and he's a good defensive player. Scouting writers have also honed in on his power play ability, projecting that he could be a good second-unit option.

When it comes to his fit, Brandsegg-Nygard's physical play could be a boost to the Red Wings' future middle six. The Red Wings have prioritized defensive types like him in recent drafts, most notably with the selection of Marco Kasper  2022's opening round. Brandsegg-Nygard could perhaps be a future linemate to a high-skill identity line that would fit the Red Wings' wishes to become a better defensive team in the future.

At the midway point of the first round, getting a really good roleplayer can be an effective draft strategy, even if it isn't ambitious. If all Brandsegg-Nygard becomes is a checking presence at the NHL level, that's still a role that provides a whole lot of value at the NHL level. Think of Michael Rasmussen, whose work ethic and size translated to a functional third-line presence. Molding these types of players into NHLers provides the kind of depth and versatility needed to win games.

Michael Hage

Michael Hage is one of the more intriguing prospects in the first round. Analysts have warmed to him in recent months as he torched the USHL with the Chicago Steel. His playmaking stands out, as does his skating and hockey IQ. He also does things with quickness, a trait that will help his scoring translate to higher levels where opponents don't give the type of time and space he's accustomed to in the USHL.

In terms of fit, Hage could add more offensive pedigree to a center pool that includes last year's ninth overall pick Nate Danielson, as well as Kasper. I like his craftiness, and I think he'll only blossom with at least a year or two at Michigan, a college program that excels at coaching offensive tendencies and decision-making. 

Hage would be a bit of a swing at No. 15, as he's commonly mocked in the 20s. Some analysts have flagged his defensive play as an area that needs polishing, and that might not track with the defensive acumen that the Red Wings might want their prospects to have to fit their organizational priorities. However, that's polishing, not a complete overhaul. He's still a good enough defensive player to be effective, especially once he can work on his game with a development staff and really hit the film room.

Overall, the Red Wings will have a lot of options at No. 15, especially to bolster their forward pool. Depending on who's available, Yzerman could get crafty with his selection.

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