2011 NHL Draft: A Look into the Future of the Newest Red Wings
This past weekend, the hockey world descended upon the Xcel Energy Center for this season's installment of the NHL Entry Draft.
Teams looking to rebuild entered with a sense of hope, while teams on the cusp of a championship were looking for the missing piece that could contribute from Day 1.
Though the Detroit Red Wings suffered a disappointing playoff ousting at the hands of the Sharks just over a month ago, we're unlikely to see Detroit's draft picks enter the fray any time soon.
Detroit has made it a policy not to rely on the youngsters too early, and by the time many break into the lineup, they have spent years with the farm club honing their craft.
This season's crop of draft picks is an exciting blend of offensive creativity and defensive grit.
Let's jump ahead five years and see where this season's group fits in.
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