As the Detroit Red Wings prepare to make their selection at the 13th overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft, fans and analysts alike are reflecting on the history of that particular draft position to gauge what kind of impact the team can expect from their choice. The 13th pick has often been a sweet spot for teams looking to find valuable players who can develop into key contributors, and the Red Wings, a franchise steeped in drafting tradition, are hoping to add another gem to their storied history.
Historically, the 13th overall pick has yielded some notable NHL talents across various drafts. While it may not carry the same immediate star potential as a top-5 selection, players taken at 13 often develop into reliable, sometimes elite, contributors who can anchor their teams for years. Detroit’s front office will be keenly aware of this as they evaluate prospects who can help the team continue its rebuilding process.
One of the most prominent recent examples of a successful 13th pick is Elias Pettersson, selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2017 NHL Draft. Pettersson quickly emerged as a dynamic offensive force, winning the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in 2019 and becoming a franchise cornerstone. His blend of skill, vision, and scoring ability has made him one of the most exciting players in the league today. For the Red Wings, Pettersson’s trajectory serves as a reminder that the 13th pick can yield star power if the scouting and development process align.
Another example is Jake Guentzel, picked 77th overall but playing with the mindset and skill of a much higher pick, reminding teams that the draft is never an exact science. But focusing strictly on 13th picks, players like Nicklas Backstrom, selected by Washington in 2006, have demonstrated how a player picked in this range can become an elite playmaker and a face of a franchise. Backstrom has consistently been among the top centers in the league, known for his vision and passing.
From a defensive perspective, Brandon Montour, taken 13th overall by Florida in 2014, developed into a capable and mobile defenseman, proving that teams can find versatile, two-way defenders at this draft spot. Similarly, Victor Hedman, who was taken 2nd overall but exemplifies the kind of defenseman teams hope to uncover in the first round, sets a benchmark for what Detroit might look for in a defensive player at 13 if the right prospect is available.
The Red Wings themselves have experience making significant picks in the mid-first round in recent years. Their development system, which has produced stars like Dylan Larkin and Moritz Seider, shows a commitment to nurturing talent beyond just the very top of the draft. Detroit’s scouting department will be looking closely at players who possess both skill and hockey IQ, as well as the physical tools necessary to succeed in the NHL’s fast-paced, physical environment.
This year’s draft class is deep with talent across all positions, giving Detroit multiple options depending on their board and team needs. Whether it’s a dynamic forward capable of contributing offensively right away or a defenseman with the size and skill to grow into a shutdown role, the 13th pick could offer the Red Wings a chance to accelerate their rebuild.
Experts caution that success at this draft spot is as much about organizational patience and development resources as it is about pure talent. Players taken at 13 typically require time to adjust to the pro game and may not have immediate impacts in their rookie seasons. The Red Wings’ reputation for patient player development, exemplified by their recent successful draft classes, should give fans optimism that this pick can be maximized.
As draft day approaches, Detroit fans will be eagerly watching the selection process, hoping the team can continue its recent trend of identifying and developing young stars who will help bring the franchise back to prominence. The history of the 13th overall pick offers a blueprint — and a source of hope — that impactful NHL players can be found at this spot, fueling the excitement and anticipation surrounding the upcoming draft.
