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The Case for Seider at No. 1 in 2019 NHL Redraft
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- The Case for Seider at No. 1 in 2019 NHL Redraft
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
A key part of the debate over what the 2019 NHL draft would look like if we redrafted today boils down whether you rather own a premium No. 1 center or a premium No. 1 defenseman.
There's no right answer, only opinions.
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That was clear in the fan debate after the Hockey News took on that exercise and came up with a list that kept center Jack Hughes at No. 1. Then, left wing Matt Boldy at No. 2 and then defenseman Moritz Seider at No. 3.
It's hard to dispute that Hughes has lived up to his 2019 pre-draft billing. But it's easy to build a case that Seider (who went sixth in 2019) should be No. 1.
Exhibit A for Seider
We start with the fact that Seider recently won the Rod Langway award as the league's top defensive defenseman in 2025-26. He has also developed into a quality offensive defenseman. Last season, only 10 NHL defensemen put up more points than the 60 Seider showed on his resume.
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In his five NHL seasons, Seider averages 181 hits and 185 blocks per season. He has been a full-service NHL defenseman.
This puts Seider over the top: He has played 100 percent of his team's games since entering the NHL. His durability has been extraordinary. And there's also his leadership. Detroit Hockey Now believes when Larkin is traded, Seider will be Detroit's next captain.
Even Red Wings fans must admit that Hughes, averaging a point per game since entering the league, has undeniable impact. That's especially true now as Detroit fans think about Andrew Copp and Marcus Kasper as their top two centers if Larkin is traded.
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But Hughes has had a challenge staying healthy. While much of that could be attributed to bad luck, this is a league that celebrates players who can stay in the lineup.
An interesting aspect of the redraft is Cole Caufield going to Detroit at No. 6. If that had occurred, the Red Wings might not have traded for Alex DeBincat. They are similar in size and scoring production. Caufield already had a 23-goal rookie season the summer Detroit acquired DeBrincat.
Although the Hockey News has Matt Boldy at No. 2, the facts point to Hughes and Seider being the two most desirable players in the redraft. The interesting part of that is the Blackhawks held the No. 3 draft pick in 2019.
Wouldn't they be thrilled to have Boldy playing with Connor Bedard and Patrick Kane today?
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