71 — Kasper Kotkansalo

Kasper Kotkansalo was picked at number 71 with the first of four Red Wings third round picks.
A Finn from Helsinki, Kotkansalo most recently played in the USHL with the Sioux Falls Stampede where he put up 1 goal 11 assists and had 43 PIMs in 47 games. Since he projects as a shutdown defenceman I wouldn’t be over concerned with those point totals, although it appears he does have some offensive upside. He is slated to play for Boston University in the NCAA next year so it will be interesting to see him play against the talented older players in that league.
Via Future Considerations:
“gives no room as he covers his opponent in the defensive zone…shows an active stick and keeps attackers to the outside…just a reliable two-way guy who could develop into a strong offensive contributor at the next level.”
Via EliteProspects he was:
Ranked #87 by Hockeyprospect.com
Ranked #47 by ISS Hockey
Ranked #117 by Future Considerations
Ranked #125 by McKeen’s Hockey
Ranked #92 by NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters)
You can find him on Twitter at: @KKotkansalo

79 – Lane Zablocki

Lane Zablocki was selected with the 79th overall pick and the second of the Red Wings four picks this round.
A Canadian from Alberta, Zablocki most recently played in the WHL for the Red Deer Rebels. Splitting the season between Red Deer and Regina Zablocki put up 28 goals and 26 assists for a point total of 54 points in 64 games in the WHL’s regular season. In the playoffs with Red Deer he put up 8 points in only 6 games played.
An interesting statistical note about Zablocki:
Via EliteProspects he was:
Ranked #100 by Hockeyprospect.com
Ranked #115 by ISS Hockey
Ranked #68 by Future Considerations
Ranked #90 by McKeen’s Hockey
Ranked #52 by NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters)
You can find him on Twitter at: @LZablocki12

83 – Zach Gallant

Zach Gallant was the Wings third pick in the third round and number 83 overall.
Gallant is a Canadian from Ontario who played this past year with the Peterborough Petes of the OHL. Gallant put up 47 points in 60 games alongside a sizeable 74 PIMs. He followed that up with a solid 8 points in 12 playoff games. Gallant is a big-body centre with good acceleration who could be a great depth player for the Wings in the future.
Via McKeen’s Hockey:
“He can be a decent defensive forward when he wants to be and has potential to make the NHL, but again, the team that takes a chance on him will need to put in a ton of work to get a return on their investment.”
So there you have it.
Via EliteProspects he was:
Ranked #165 by Hockeyprospect.com
Ranked #89 by ISS Hockey
Ranked #151 by Future Considerations
Ranked #89 by McKeen’s Hockey
Ranked #64 by NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters)
Ranked #75 by TSN/McKenzie

88 – Keith Petruzzelli

With the final of their four picks in the third round and number 88 overall the Red Wings got their goalie.
Keith Petruzzelli is a tall (6’6”!) goalie from Massachusetts. He played the past year with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL. In 35 games with Muskegon he posted a 2.40 GAA and a .918 save percentage. His numbers dropped off in the 2 playoff games he played posting only a 2.61 GAA and a lowly .885 save percentage. Again, this was in only 2 games so it is not a very big concern.
Over at NHL.com Al Jenson has this to say:
“HIS STYLE RESEMBLES THE WAY PENGUINS GOALTENDER MATT MURRAY PLAYS. HE’S GOOD ON HIS ANGLES AND IS SQUARE TO THE SHOTS. HE’S TOUGH TO BEAT LOW AS HE SEALS THE ICE AND FIVE-HOLE WITH HIS LEG EXTENSIONS. HE HAS GOOD REBOUND CONTROL WITH SOFT PADS AND ABSORBS THE HIGHER SHOTS WELL INTO HIS BODY.”
Via EliteProspects he was:
Ranked #38 by Hockeyprospect.com
Ranked #78 by Future Considerations
Ranked #37 by McKeen’s Hockey
Ranked #2 by NHL Central Scouting (NA Goalies)
You can find him on Twitter at: @kpetro99