Detroit – The Red Wings came into this weekend’s NHL Entry Draft with the intent of continuing to add to their prospect pool.
In the end, the Wings appeared satisfied they had done that.
After trading into the first round Friday and selecting forward J.P. Hurlbert — they dealt former prospect, goaltender Sebastian Cossa — the Wings were busy Saturday with a pick in each of rounds through two through seven.
Among forwards, along with Hurlbert, they added Victor Plante (2nd round, No. 47 overall), Adam Levac (4th round, No. 108), Beckham Edwards (5th round, No. 143) and Luka Arkko (6th round, No. 175).
They added one defenseman, Myles Brosnan (7th round, 196th overall) and essentially replaced Cossa with Michael Orsulak (3rd round, No. 79 overall).
While Hurlbert attracted the attention Friday, the addition of Plante — brother of Wings prospect and recent Hobey Baker Award (best college player) Max Plante — was a significant addition.
Victor Plante had a fine season at the Plymouth Township-based United States National Development Team Program and is a similar, smart, offensive-minded player as his brother.
“Getting to know the family, it’s an incredible hockey family and we were real excited about the development,” said Kris Draper, the Wings’ director of amateur scouting. “Victor is wired the exact same way. A smart, competitive player that has a passion for the game.
“He had a real good year and the similarities, you kind of look at him as a bit of a late bloomer with the way his year went. He continued to get better throughout. He’s a passionate kid and we’re excited to have him.”
Draper also spoke about the addition of Levac, who had 44 points for Peterborough (OHL), but isn’t necessarily the kind of offensive threat that Hurlbert or Plante is.
Levac plays a gritty, in-your-face game that is strong on the defensive side of the puck.
“He’s a guy we saw a lot,” Draper said. “A right shot center, very competitive. He plays a 200-foot game and understands his responsibilities without the puck. He was an intriguing prospect. He’s someone we’re excited to have add to the prospect pool.”
The Wings are deep in the goaltending depth chart, even now without Cossa. Michael Postava, Trey Augustine, Carter Gylander and Rudy Guimond all are on the depth chart, but the Wings couldn’t pass on Orsulak.
A 6-foot-4 Czech prospect, Orsulak dominated in the WHL, going 28-4-4 for Prince Albert, with a save percentage over 90%.
“The way he competes, moves, we felt where we were in the draft, it was a real good pick to add,” Draper said. “Moving Sebastian, it opened up another goaltender (spot).”
tkulfan@detroitnews.com
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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Red Wings add to prospect pool, with Hurlbert, Plante leading way
Reporting by Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
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By Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
