After not drafting a defenseman in the 2014 NHL Draft, and a couple of question marks in the pipeline of young defensive prospects, the Red Wings entered the 2015 Draft determined to bolster their core of young blueliners. Since they did not have a 2nd round pick due to the trade that brought Erik Cole to Detroit, they looked to the mid-round draft picks to find their guy. When the third round commenced, activity from Ken Holland halted. They knew who they wanted when they were on the clock at 73rd overall. The Red Wings selected Finnish right-shooting defenseman Vili Saarijarvi in the third round.
Ranking Top 15 Red Wings Prospects: Vili Saarijarvi
