Moritz Seider is shaping up to be a steal of a draft pick for Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman

The Red Wings selected German defenseman Moritz Seider with their 1st overall pick in 2019, and he's looking every bit as good as advertised.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 2 years ago
Moritz Seider is shaping up to be a steal of a draft pick for Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman
Detroit News

Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman apparently knew what he was doing when he made his first draft pick since taking the reins in the Motor City when he decided to make German defenseman Moritz Seider the franchise's selection at No. 6 in 2019. 

And so far, Seider is not only looking every bit as advertised, but is causing visions of having a bonafide top defenseman patrolling the blue line in Detroit to dance around in the heads of fans. 

He enjoyed a productive first season in North America last year, tallying two goals and 22 points in 49 games for the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins. He's been on loan with Rögle BK of the Swedish Hockey League, and was recently named the recipient of the SHL Elite Prospect's Award after tallying seven goals, 21 assists and a plus-14 rating in 41 games played. 

And not only has Seider proved that he's capable of being a regular on the scoresheet, but he's throwing his weight around. At 6'4 and 207 lbs, Seider isn't exactly the smallest player on the ice. And his opponents have found that out the hard way, routinely finding themselves on the receiving end of hard bodychecks.

A defenseman who can put up points while also routinely rag-dolling opponents? There's no shortage of ways to say "Yes Please!"

Take a look at what Elite Prospects had to say about Seider prior to the 2019 Draft: 

"Seider is a mobile and very smart two-way defenseman with few weaknesses. Plays a mature game with strong and consistent defensive decisions. Offensively, his vision allows him to be a very good passer and he is also good at getting his shot through."

The Red Wings are banking on Seider to be a key part of the future success for a new generation of fans in the Motor City. And of course, Seider isn't the only young player in the system that they can get excited for. With the likes of Joe Veleno and Michael Rasmussen on the verge of taking the next steps in their careers along with 2020 1st overall pick Lucas Raymond, it's not inconceivable for the rebuilding effort to start showing signs of approaching the finish line.