The 2011 NHL Entry Draft is set to begin on Friday night in Minnesota. The Detroit Red Wings control the 24th overall pick and could go in a number of directions with the selection. Let's take a look at what some 2011 NHL mock drafts have to say about the Red Wings.
↵Red Line Report: D Connor Murphy (Miami RedHawks)
↵Mike G. Morreale: RW Rickard Rakell (Plymouth Whalers)
↵Adam Kimelman: D Joseph Morrow (Portland Winterhawks)
↵Steven Hoffner: LW/RW Nicklas Jensen (Oshawa Generals)
↵Deven Persaud: D Oscar Klefbom (Sweden)
↵USCHO: RW Rickard Rakell (Plymouth Whalers)
↵As you can see, there is no clear indication of what position the Red Wings might target with their first-round pick. A defenseman could certainly be the pick considering it is important to build depth at the position for the future, but the Red Wings could also take a forward instead.
↵A goaltender doesn't seem quite as likely for the Red Wings, but keep an eye on where John Gibson ends up. He is set to join the Michigan hockey program for next season and could be a first-round pick.