Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reviews the 2018 class,

Filip Zadina

Wingspan: Zadina, 19, was called up at the trade deadline so the Wings could take a look at him over a nine-game span (any longer and it would have triggered the first year of his entry-level contract). Zadina had one goal and two assists. It was a good experience for him, a taste of how hard it is to play in the NHL. Zadina did not dominate once back in the AHL (one goal, three assists the last 14 games) and it seems doubtful he’ll challenge for a spot in Detroit out of training camp this fall.

Potential: Zadina could be a game-changer if he can figure out how to score in tight areas the way he excelled in juniors.

Joe Veleno

Wingspan: Veleno, 19, is slated to play in Grand Rapids next season because even though he has a year left of junior eligibility, he started juniors at 15 after being granted exceptional status (joining the company of Connor McDavid). Veleno dominated juniors in 2018-19, so this is a beneficial situation that will allow him to move a level ahead but adjust to the pro game without going directly to the NHL.

Potential: He has improved his defensive game and could, with continued hard work, emerge as a No. 2 center behind Dylan Larkin (bear in mind even with Larkin’s inner drive, he was in his fourth season when he really started to dominate).

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