The NHL Entry Draft often feels like a lottery, especially when teams reach the later rounds. For the Detroit Red Wings, the 2026 edition delivered two intriguing names — Luka Arkko and Myles Brosnan — each selected well beyond the first two rounds yet both carrying a realistic shot at breaking into the league.
Arkko, a Finnish left‑winger taken 175th overall in the sixth round, will spend the upcoming campaign with the Erie Otters of the OHL. Despite a modest 16 percent probability of making the Red Wings, his skill set and European background give him a unique developmental path that the organization hopes will accelerate his growth.
On the blue line, defenseman Myles Brosnan was chosen 196th overall in the seventh round. After posting 51 points in 30 games for Dexter Southfield and capturing the John Carlton Memorial Trophy — an award handed out by the Boston Bruins — Brosnan is slated to join the Moncton Wildcats in the QMJHL, where he will look to translate his offensive instincts into a professional framework.
Their journeys echo that of Emmitt Finnie, a 201st‑overall pick in 2023 who defied expectations to earn Detroit’s rookie of the year honors. Finnie’s breakout season, marked by 13 goals, serves as a tangible blueprint for late‑round hopefuls, illustrating that perseverance and opportunity can converge at the most unexpected moments.
A Quiet Optimism in the Draft Room
Inside the Red Wings’ scouting department, the atmosphere is less about hype and more about measured expectations. Analysts acknowledge the statistical reality that most late‑round selections never reach the NHL, yet they also recognize the occasional outlier who reshapes a franchise’s narrative.
Both Arkko and Brosnan bring distinct strengths to the table. Arkko’s size, skating ability, and offensive flair make him a candidate for a top‑six role in the OHL, while Brosnan’s defensive reliability and offensive upside could position him as a future power‑play catalyst. Their development will be closely monitored by coaches and management alike.
The upcoming season will serve as a litmus test. Success in the OHL and QMJHL could open doors to professional contracts, but the path is fraught with competition and injury risk. What remains certain is that the Red Wings’ investment in these players reflects a broader strategy: to cultivate talent from every corner of the draft and to keep the pipeline of future contributors flowing.