CHICAGO -- The emphasis is on defense.
As the Detroit Red Wings approach the 2017 NHL entry draft with their highest pick in more than two decades and 11 picks overall, the priority is mining the class to infuse the roster with what they most need.
“Defense is an area that we are targeting,” Wings director of amateur scouting said in an interview with the Free Press this week. “It is deep at that position in this draft, throughout the draft.”
The draft begins Friday at United Center with Round 1,and the Wings hold the ninth overall pick, their highest since drafting Martin Lapointe at 10th overall in 1991.