While the Detroit Red Wings surrendered their 2026 first round pick to land Justin Faulk, they still may have hope of landing a center with their first pick.

Everyone in the hockey world seems to understand the Red Wings are looking for centers for their 2026-27 lineup and their prospect pool. Some two-round mock drafts are published, and two prominent ones show the Red Wings drafting a center with their No. 47 pick. That’s Detroit first pick this year.

GM Steve Yzerman doesn’t draft by position, preferring to take the best player regardless of position. But if it’s a close decision on the player, he might lean toward a center because the team is short at that position.

The Athletic has the Red Wings drafting center Thomas Vandenberg from the Ottawa 67’s. He’s among the youngest players in the draft and scouts think he has up-side. Vandenberg scored 25 goals and finished with 50 points in 59 games. He’s going to Providence to play college hockey.

Bleacher Nation has Detroit landing University of Michigan center Adam Valentini. He is a smallish forward who registered 11 goals and 27 points in 40 games. Valentini also posted 46 penalty minutes.

lIn Case You Missed It

Eduards Tralmaks was impressive for the Grand Rapids Griffins but never received an opportunity at the NHL level.

It’s Justin Faulk’s Americans vs. Macklin Celebrini’s Canadians at the World Championships Thursday.

Red Wings ties abound at the quarterfinals at the IIHF World Championships in Switzerland. Lucas Raymond, Albert Johansson, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Eduards Tralmaks and Cam Talbot are among the competitors.

Red Wings Extra

If Detroit prospect Carter Bear’s Everett Silvertips defeat the Kelowna Rockets tonight at the Memorial Cup, they will be the home team in a semifinal. If Everett loses to Kelowna by a goal, then Chicoutimi and Kelowna play the tiebreaker. If Everett loses by two, then Kelowna advances to the semifinal and Everett and Chicoutimi play the tiebreaker. The Kitchener Rangers have already qualified for the Final by going 3-0 in the round-robin.

Capitals… 43 wins… No Playoffs
Islanders… 43 wins… No Playoffs
NJ Devils… 42 wins… No Playoffs
Red Wings… 41 wins… No Playoffs
Blue Jackets… 40 wins… No Playoffs
Panthers… 40 wins… No Playoffs
SJ Sharks… 39 wins… No Playoffs

VGK… 39 wins… Stanley Cup Final

— Sam Block (@theblockspot) May 27, 2026

Hockey Now Digest

Colorado: Aarif Deen writes that the Avalanche wasted an exceptional opportunity for a dream season. Colorado Avalanche.

Montreal: Marc Dumont believes Montreal’s stars are ready to be heard in this conference final. Montreal Canadiens.

New Jersey: James Nichols offers the latest on Nico Hischier’s contract situation. New Jersey Devils.

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski lays out details of Evgeni Malkin’s new deal. If he makes his bonuses, he can earn more than projections suggested. Pittsburgh Penguins.