Another hockey season has passed and another NHL draft is complete.
Holding the 18th overall selection, general manager Ken Holland was able to trade down to the 20th overall pick in a quick swap with the San Jose Sharks. He was also able to acquire San Jose's second-round pick (58th overall) and selected Tyler Bertuzzi, whose uncle, Todd, plays for the Red Wings.
But at the 20th selection, the Red Wings were able to choose the skilled scorer Anthony Mantha from Val-d'Or of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
Mantha is a perfect fit for the Red Wings and their needs. He scored 50 goals last season for the Foreurs, who finished fourth in their division. He also has good size (6'3", 200 lbs), plays right wing and will only be in Major Junior for one more season before likely playing in the AHL.
The Wings are confident that Mantha will be in the NHL sooner rather than later.
With a slew of highly touted prospects in front of Mantha, however, he only adds more hype and anticipation to a Red Wings system that is yielding many future NHLers.
Some of those NHLers are pushing to find their way on the roster this season.
They also have prospects, like Mantha, who are giving fans a reason to adjust to the team's youth movement.
Here are the five prospects who are creating excitement in the Wings' system.