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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Detroit first pick this year.<\/p>\n
GM Steve Yzerman doesn\u2019t draft by position, preferring to take the best player regardless of position. But if it\u2019s a close decision on the player, he might lean toward a center because the team is short at that position. <\/p>\n
The Athletic has the Red Wings drafting center Thomas Vandenberg f<\/a>rom the Ottawa 67\u2019s. He\u2019s 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\u2019s going to Providence to play college hockey.<\/p>\n Bleacher Nation has Detroit landing University of Michigan center Adam Valentini<\/a>. He is a smallish forward who registered 11 goals and 27 points in 40 games. Valentini also posted 46 penalty minutes.<\/p>\n lIn Case You Missed It<\/p>\n Eduards Tralmaks<\/a> was impressive for the Grand Rapids Griffins but never received an opportunity at the NHL level.<\/p>\n It\u2019s Justin Faulk\u2019s Americans vs. Macklin Celebrini\u2019s<\/a> Canadians at the World Championships Thursday.<\/p>\n Red Wings ties abound at the quarterfinals at the IIHF World Championships <\/a>in Switzerland. Lucas Raymond, Albert Johansson, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Eduards Tralmaks and Cam Talbot are among the competitors.<\/p>\n Red Wings Extra<\/p>\n If Detroit prospect Carter Bear\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n Capitals\u2026 43 wins\u2026 No Playoffs VGK\u2026 39 wins\u2026 Stanley Cup Final<\/p>\n \u2014 Sam Block (@theblockspot) May 27, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Hockey Now Digest<\/p>\n Colorado: Aarif Deen writes that the Avalanche wasted an exceptional opportunity for a dream season. Colorado Avalanche.<\/a><\/p>\n Montreal: Marc Dumont believes Montreal\u2019s stars are ready to be heard in this conference final. Montreal Canadiens. <\/a><\/p>\n New Jersey: James Nichols offers the latest on Nico Hischier\u2019s contract situation. New Jersey Devils. <\/a><\/p>\n Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski lays out details of Evgeni Malkin\u2019s new deal. If he makes his bonuses, he can earn more than projections suggested. Pittsburgh Penguins.<\/a><\/p>\n
Islanders\u2026 43 wins\u2026 No Playoffs
NJ Devils\u2026 42 wins\u2026 No Playoffs
Red Wings\u2026 41 wins\u2026 No Playoffs
Blue Jackets\u2026 40 wins\u2026 No Playoffs
Panthers\u2026 40 wins\u2026 No Playoffs
SJ Sharks\u2026 39 wins\u2026 No Playoffs<\/p>\n