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Red Wings select German defenseman Moritz Seider at No. 6 overall

MiHockey Staff

 

By @MichaelCaples –

With his first selection as the general manager of the Original Six franchise he spent his entire playing career with, Steve Yzerman went a bit ‘off the board’ for his first pick.

At No. 6 overall, the Detroit Red Wings have selected German defenseman Moritz Seider.

He checks in at 6-foot-4 and 207 pounds, and here’s what Elite Prospects had to say:

“Seider is a mobile and very smart two-way defenseman with few weaknesses. Plays a mature game with strong and consistent defensive decisions. Offensively, his vision allows him to be a very good passer and he is also good at getting his shot through.”

Seider was ranked No. 6 among Europen skaters in the NHL Central Scouting final rankings.

“I wouldn’t say it was a no-brainer, but he’s a very good prospect, Yzerman said on the NBC Sports broadcast immediately after the selection. “The top five went kind of went somewhat how we expected, and there’s a group of players, this next group of players including Moritz, there’s some very good prospects. They’re all good prospects, ultimately we liked Seider, he’s a big defenseman who can skate and has excellent hockey sense. There were a lot of good players to choose from…we’re excited to get him.”

Seider, who has played his entire hockey career in his native Germany, told NHL Central Scouting he models his game after Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi.

He seemed as surprised as anyone else to go as high as he did in the draft. Talking to Red Wings TV shortly after he was selected, Seider confessed to it.

“I was shocked for sure, I didn’t expect that at all,” Seider said. “My whole body was shaking, I looked to my mom and she was so excited. it’s been an unreal moment for my whole family and myself.

“I think there was a little percentage, around about 5 I think. We had a couple of good meetings during last week and at the Combine, but I didn’t expect it at all.”

The 6-foot-4 blueliner said that he has appreciated playing professional hockey in Germany for his development.

“It helps me a lot, challenging yourself every single day against men, against professionals, and it’s good to see how the business is built up, how everyone prepares themselves for game, and I think it was the right decision to stay in Germany playing pro hockey.”

When asked if he was familiar with the Wings, he pointed to the team’s current leader, and one of its past ones.

“I mean, sure, legends like [Nick] Lidstrom, he dominated the game for a long, long time. It’s just great, I had a chance to play against Dylan Larkin at the World Championship, he’s an insane player, looking forward to meeting him. I’m very nervous, too.”

He described his game for DRW TV, as well:

“I think I’m a pretty smart two-way defenseman who loves to join the rush, jumping up in o-zone plays. I think my biggest strength is probably my first pass; I’m also not afraid to play the body.”