REPORT: Red Wings Pursuing “Top-Prize” In College Free Agency

The Red Wings playoff streak is coming to and end, so it’s time for General Manager Ken Holland to do some in-season U.S. college free agent shopping.

On Sunday the Chicago Blackhawks went out and signed forward John Hayden from Yale University, but one of the most sought after college free agents could be coming to Detroit. Northeastern senior forward Zach Aston-Reese is considered the “top prize” of the college free agents according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie. The 22-year-old has great size at 6-foot, 204 lbs. and led Northeastern in goals (31) and points (63) while ranking second in assists (32) in 38 games this season.

The Red Wings are among a “very large group” of NHL teams pursuing the Staten Island native. According to McKenzie the Penguins, Oilers, Canucks, Sharks and Kings are all said to be very interested as well. The Red Wings are in rebuild mode and landing the top undrafted college free agent would be a good start.

The Red Wings are also expected to meet with 2016 first-round pick Dennis Cholowski, who just finished his first season with St. Cloud State. The 19-year-old defenseman was the player the Red Wings selected after trading down in the draft this past summer in order to shed Pavel Datsyuk’s contract. Cholowski had one goal and 11 assists (12 points) in 36 games with St. Cloud.

Lastly, McKenzie also pointed out that the Red Wings will also decide whether 2013 fourth round pick David Pope will turn pro or return to the University of Nebraska-Omaha for his Senior year. The 6-foot-3, 200 lbs. left winger had 13 goals and 18 assists (31 points) in 34 games this season—tied for third on the team.