Wings' Draft Reflects League's New Emphasis On Size
The Red Wings have had tremendous success over the last two decades with a bevy of smaller, skilled players. They will continue to covet undersized players as long as they can skate, pass and score.
But they also recognize a growing trend in the NHL: Players are growing. Bigger is better. Teams that can flourish with a roster of smaller players during the regular season often struggle to score in the playoffs, when games get tighter and you need that element of grit and toughness.
That's why Detroit has altered its drafting philosophy to focus on landing bigger bodies.
The Wings took six players during the second day of the NHL entry draft Saturday -- three forwards, two defensemen and a goaltender. None is under 6 feet, and a few of them are heavy bodies.
"It's evolution of every sport. Everyone is bigger, stronger, faster," Wings assistant general manager Jim Nill said. "It's just the way the game is."
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