The Wings Nation Top 20 Prospects: #18 Zach Nastasiuk

The above is the newest photo of Zach Nastasiuk that is available in Getty Images’ public archives.

If that doesn’t tell you he’s struggled to gain relevance since being selected in the second round of the 2013 draft at 48th overall, I’m not really sure what does.

Looking at his stats, 8 points in 37 career AHL games is less than promising. And while a stint in the ECHL is not a career-killer, the optics that he’s struggling to crack the AHL lineup surely aren’t good ones.

A captain in Owen Sound for the two seasons following his draft year, and above a point-per-game in his draft+2 year isn’t anything to scoff at… it’s just really yet to translate to the pro game.

A diamond in the rough? Maybe. But he’s got a long way to go before he proves himself anything close to NHL-ready.

Simply, Nastasiuk and the Red Wings may in fact be running near the end of their relationship together, as he’s not been shown to develop strongly in his time in the organization. Whether it’s through trade or free agency, this season might end up to be his last with the franchise if he’s unable to bring his numbers up to a level that would more accurately reflect an NHL-quality talent.