Detroit Red Wings draft left-winger Cross Hanas 55th overall

He’s such a gifted, creative puck-handler. He doesn’t instinctually look pass, but finds the trailer, cross-slot opportunities, and players behind the net. Hanas keeps his feet moving off the puck and isn’t shy about going to battle on offensive zone puck retrievals. He also uses a dangerous lane-altering spin-pass that should have success at higher levels. – EliteProspects

“Hanas has a high ceiling and he is in the perfect place for his development in Portland, with Mike Johnston capable of helping him reach that potential. Johnston will let Hanas play to his strengths and appreciate his creativity, so he could explode next season, but he is a boom or bust prospect and will be a high-risk, high-reward pick.” – Larry Fisher, The Hockey Writers

“Hanas’s best tool is his IQ. He sees the ice very well, and his hands are super decisive. When controlling the puck, he’s always using a quick forehand-backhand to keep defensemen on their feet. It adds a solid element of deception to his game because while defensemen think he’s still surveying his options, he makes his pass. When players stop stick handling, it’s a clear pass indicator. Hanas is already able to play this little chess game, which bodes well for him at the next level.” – Alexander Taxman, Future Scope Hockey