Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland was surprised by how the first round of the draft unfolded for his team. Director of amateur scouting Tyler Wright described it as shock.
Both were ecstatic, and this wasn't your typical draft day hyperbole.
The Red Wings could not have anticipated high-scoring right wing Filip Zadina available at No. 6 and speedy two-way center Joe Veleno at No. 30.
Zadina was projected to go as high as third and many thought Veleno wouldn't be far removed from the top 10.
The Red Wings need to bolster their defense throughout their system but weren't about to pass up a pair of highly rated forwards who essentially fell into their laps Friday at American Airlines Center in Dallas.