Detroit Red Wings Draft Day 2 Picks: Analyze the New Additions

Detroit Red Wings bolstered their prospect pool on July 12, 2026, selecting three players in Day 2 of the NHL Draft, a move aimed at deepening the roster as the club sits 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 41-31 record and a three‑game losing streak.

Which players did Detroit Red Wings choose?

The Red Wings used their second‑round pick, 45th overall, on forward Lucas Hernandez, a 19‑year‑old from the OHL who posted 32 goals and 45 assists last season. In the third round, 78th overall, they grabbed defenseman Erik Lindholm, known for his strong shot from the point and a +12 rating in the Swedish junior league. Their final pick, 112th overall, was goalie Marco Rossi, a 18‑year‑old who posted a 2.05 GAA and a .925 save percentage in Italy's top junior circuit.

How do these picks address Detroit Red Wings needs?

Hernandez adds speed and a scoring touch that the Red Wings have missed since the departure of Dylan Larkin’s top‑line partner. Lindholm’s size and puck‑moving ability could eventually replace the aging veteran defenseman, Dylan Garner, who is now 33. Rossi provides a young net‑minder who can learn behind starter Ville Hamalainen, giving Detroit a potential future starter as the current goalie ages.

What does this mean for the Red Wings' short‑term plans?

The three prospects are unlikely to crack the lineup this season, but they give General Manager Steve Yzerman options for call‑ups if injuries strike. Hernandez’s offensive instincts may earn him a spot on the AHL affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins, while Lindholm could split time between the Griffins and the ECHL to sharpen his defensive reads. Rossi will likely start in the junior league to get more reps before moving to North America.

How does this draft compare to Detroit Red Wings' recent history?

This draft marks a shift from the 2024 focus on goaltending depth to a more balanced approach, adding both a forward and a defenseman in the early rounds. The last time Detroit landed a top‑30 forward in the draft was 2019, when they selected Tyler Bennett, who now anchors the second line. The Red Wings hope Hernandez can follow a similar trajectory.

What are the next steps for these prospects?

All three players will attend the Red Wings' development camp in late August, where coaches will evaluate their readiness for the AHL. Hernandez will face a power‑play unit drill, Lindholm will be tested in a 5‑on‑5 defensive scenario, and Rossi will take part in a shootout competition to showcase his reflexes. Their performance will dictate whether any earn a spot on the opening night roster or remain in the minors.

How will this affect Detroit Red Wings' future outlook?

If Hernandez translates his junior scoring to the pro level, Detroit could see a boost in secondary scoring, easing pressure on veteran lines. Lindholm’s growth could solidify a defensive pairing that currently leans heavily on veteran presence. Rossi’s development may give the Red Wings a home‑grown goalie to replace Hamalainen when his contract expires. Together, these picks give Detroit a clearer path to climb out of the lower half of the Eastern Conference.