Where Are They Now? The Red Wings’ 2017 Draft Class

BRIAN JENKINS/for the Free Press Ask an average NHL fanatic what they thought of the 2017 draft, and you’ll get a variety of responses.

Some applaud their GM for their savvy picks. Others were skeptical at first but quickly changed their minds as the prospects developed.

The Detroit Red Wings were among neither of these groups.

At the time, general manager Ken Holland decided to draft based on size over skill. He saw the success of teams like the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals and sought to emulate the results. At the time, Detroit had just begun their rebuild. This draft was meant to be a statement going forward — a way to shape the team’s identity. The 2017 draft, masterminded by…