After going with defense at the top of round 1, the Detroit Red Wings need to address center with their pick at No. 30. They took Michael Rasmussen in the first round a year ago, but the depth beyond him and what’s already with the big club is light.
Rasmussen will likely get a shot to make the roster, and with restricted free agent (and arbitration eligible) center Andreas Athanasiou in persistent trade rumors, the pivot is a clear position of need. 
With Vegas’ post-season success pushing this pick earned from trading Tomas Tatar much lower in the first round than expected, there has definitely been enough talend left on the board to not be in a spot where they are forced to take the “best player available.”
Benoit-Olivier Groulx fits what the Red Wings need. He has a strong two-way game and the size to match at 6-foot-1, 190 pounds. He was the first overall pick in the QMJHL draft two years ago by Halifax, where he posted a 28-27-56 scoring line last year with 100 PIMs in 68 regular season games.
General Manager Ken Holland could consider trading down for more assets in Groulx is off the board, but with another pick coming at 36, I’d expect the Red Wings to take the pick.
“With the 30th pick, Detroit selects Benoit-Olivier Groulx from the Halifx Mooseheads.”

You must be logged in to post a comment.