The Detroit Red Wings could have a chance to add a big, powerful forward with breakaway speed and elite skill to their rebuild.

The Wings ensured a last-place finish March 10, two days before the NHL put the 2019-20 season on pause because of COVID-19. The pandemic forced the league to postpone its June 26-27 draft in Montreal, and a new date has yet to be determined.

There is a possibility the format will change, but as it stands under current lottery rules, general manager Steve Yzerman will pick no worse than fourth overall.

Left wing Alexis Lafrenière is regarded as the top pick. In this mock draft, after simulating the draft order on tankathon.com, the Wings hold the third pick and select center Quinton Byfield. He and Tim Stutzle are projected as the top forwards to be drafted after Lafrenière.

Byfield’s appeal is manifold: He’s 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, a dynamic combination of speed, strength and skill. He is an exceptional skater, especially considering his size. He has the agility to evade defenders and the brawn to force them to back off. He has an accurate shot and makes crafty plays with the puck.

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