The Red Wings have added another big prospect to their blueline.
Detroit drafted 6'4 Swedish defenseman William Wallinder with the first pick in the second round of the draft on Wednesday. He's a gifted skater with a penchant for joining the rush.
In fact, some evaluators consider Wallinder the 'most technically skilled skater' among this year's crop of defensemen.
"He's a great puck-carrier, eager to lead his team up the ice, and with a great deal of initiative in creative offensive chance," per EliteProspects.com.
Wallinder, who turned 18 this summer, is in his second season playing professionally in Sweden.
Steve Yzerman and the Wings have placed a premium on defenseman with size and elite skating ability. They drafted 6'4 Mortiz Seider sixth overall in last year's draft. Both Wallinder and Seider could play key roles on Detroit's blueline in the near future.
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Later in the second round, Detroit traded back from No. 45 to No. 51 and selected another Swede in center Theodor Niederbach. He's a cerebral forward who plays a strong two-way game.
Per EliteProspects.com, Niederbach "maintains a detailed mental map of the ice that allows quick decisions and a heightened read on incoming pressure. Defensively ... he suffocates puck-carriers."
The Red Wings closed out the second round by drafting American winger Cross Hanas 55th overall. Hanas, who's said to be a 'gifted, creative puck-handler,' gives the organization another potential playmaker up front.
He had 22 goals and 49 points through 60 games this season with the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL.