Filip Zadina is in an interesting situation. He’s coming to an organization that really likes to grow and over-ripen their prospects in the minors, but they’re currently rebuilding “on the fly” and are in desperate need for young goal scorers. Enter Filip Zadina.

The Detroit Red Wings drafted Filip Zadina 6th overall in the 2018 NHL entry draft. Many believe Zadina should’ve gone top-3 or top-5 at worst, but the 6’0″, 196 pound, talented, dynamic, goal-scorer dropped to the 6th overall pick, where the Detroit Red Wings gladly picked him up. Today, we’re going to see if Zadina is ready for competition and we’re going to see if there is a roster spot or opportunity for Zadina to make the Red Wings.

            

As you can tell by his stats, Zadina wasn’t lying when he said “I bring the goals”. You can also tell that he’s just too good for the juniors already after he put up 44 goals, and 38 assists, for 82 points in 57 games. I was able to watch Zadina play in Halifax since I’m from the area, and wow what a talent. I was ecstatic that he dropped to the Red Wings. He brings elements to the ice that the Red Wings don’t really have on the team.

One thing that he brings to the team is dynamic, game-changing offense. He’s an elite shooter, it’s probably his biggest asset, but he can pass as well. He loves attacking inside the circles, and he’s so dangerous with the puck inside the circles. Zadina has fantastic hands, he’s Ken Hollands definition of a “dancer” on the ice, instead of going just north-south, it’s a bit of everywhere. Zadina is no slouch defensively either, he killed penalties for the Halifax Mooseheads last season. He’s not the most physical player in the world, but I think he’ll become a more physical player as he bulks up and gets stronger. I also feel like he doesn’t need to be very physical to be extremely successful in the NHL.

Obviously a number one defender would’ve been nice to draft, but it doesn’t get much better than Zadina, especially at the 6th spot. Zadina addresses a lot of Detroit’s needs as the Red Wings have really struggled offensively over the past two years. Zadina should develop into the game-changing forward, who can score you those big goals.

If you have nearly 20 minutes of free time I would recommend checking out this video of Zadina highlights.

I think Filip Zadina’s ceiling is a 40 goal scorer who can also put up 40-50 assists, that’s a very high ceiling but the sky’s the limit for this kid. He’s determined, motivated, and confident as well, which is what you like to see. Of all the prospects and players in the system, I think Zadina has the potential to be the biggest, brightest star in our organization.

Does Zadina make the Red Wings this coming season? Well it seems he would have to play himself off the starting night roster at this point. I’d say Rasmussen is the most likely forward to make the team, only because he would have to go back to the WHL, where it seems Zadina is AHL eligible. With that said, I believe it’s still a very good chance Zadina is at least on the opening night roster, I think he’s ready for it and deserves it, but I guess we’ll have to wait to find out.