Looming questions surrounding Russian players don’t scare Red Wings

Detroit — There’s a lot of intrigue around the NHL currently in regard to prospect Matvei Michkov, a Russian player who in terms of pure talent could be the No. 2 player in this draft behind Connor Bedard.

But there’s a snag. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has complicated going there and scouting players, talking to them and actually seeing them play.

There’s also the fact Michkov has a contract with SKA St. Petersburg in the Kontinental Hockey League until 2026. Getting Michkov to North America before then isn’t going to be easy.

Dmitri Simashev and Daniil But are two other Russian prospects who likely will be available Wednesday when the Wings draft at either ninth or 17th overall in the first round.

General manager Steve Yzerman, at his Zoom media conference Tuesday, sounds like a hockey executive who will draft Russian players, despite the uncertainty surrounding them these days and when they’d be available for your NHL team.

“We just watch and If we like the player, regardless of the country he lives in, and he’s what we want, we’re going to pick him,” Yzerman said.

Yzerman doesn’t feel there’s been any hesitancy around the NHL drafting Russian players the past several seasons.

“Just looking at the most recent previous drafts, I don’t think things were that much different,” Yzerman said. “Teams are going to take the best player on their list at that time, and I don’t think there is really a negative bias for whatever reason, whether it be contract status, or (anything) out of Russia. The only challenge has been, and the only concern, is the ability to really see the kids.”

Most NHL directors of amateur scouting are based in North America, and though teams have scouts in Europe, there’s still the difficulty of getting into Russia and watching games.

“They’re not seeing him (prospective players) as much, they’re going to be a little more hesitant to make that pick, particularly high,” Yzerman said. “But as you go through the draft, guys are going to take the best player, and players playing in Russia, under contracts, eventually, if they’re good they’re probably going to want to come over.

“And if they’re good you’re going to want to bring them over.”

Goaltending dilemma

Yzerman will make final decisions regarding his goaltending at some point next week, what with unrestricted free agency beginning July 1.

Ville Husso is cemented as the starter. But backups Alex Nedeljkovic and Magnus Hellberg are both potential UFAs, and neither safely claimed the backup job with their play last season.

Sebastian Cossa, a 2021 first-round pick, is expected to move up to Grand Rapids next season, after finishing his rookie pro season in Toledo.

It’ll be interesting to see what Yzerman does, given it’s a thin free-agent class, including at goaltender.

“We’ve got a decision to make very soon here,” Yzerman said. “Do we bring back one or both of our two guys, if we can agree to some type of contract, or do we go into the market? We’ll have to make that decision obviously coming up with free agency on (July 1). Kind of weigh into what or if we can get our own guys signed, and if not, then we go into the market and that’s a little bit unpredictable right now.

“It’s a hard question for me to answer right now, and it’s something that we’re really mulling through.”

Griffins moves

Yzerman was complementary of Dan Watson, the new Grand Rapids coach, who took Toledo to the ECHL Western Conference Finals this past season.

Watson coached Toledo for six seasons and had a 272-112-35 regular-season record. He led the Walleye to the Kelly Cup Finals twice (2019-2022) and his 272 regular-season victories are the most for any Walleye head coach.

“As we went through the interview process, we were really more and more impressed with Dan, (and) the way he presented himself and his ideas with coaching,” Yzerman said. “We ultimately felt, after not only talking with him at great length but a lot of the people that had worked with him and players who had gone through the system playing for Dan, that it was a good transition and fit for us.

“I’m very excited that we were able to hire him.”

Questions on RFAs

Yzerman isn’t sure he’ll bring back all the Wings’ restricted free agents — forwards Joe Veleno and Matt Luff, and defenseman Gustav Lindstrom.

Veleno would appear to be a lock to return, given Veleno is projected to center one of the bottom two lines. But there is doubt with Luff and Lindstrom, neither of whom was able to earn consistent playing time.

“We like all the players and like to have them back in the organization,” Yzerman said. “But to say that I’m definitely qualifying them all, (there’s) still a little bit of uncertainty.”

The Wings must extend qualifying offers to restricted free agents by June 30 at 5 p.m.