The Detroit Red Wings' 2025 NHL Draft lottery results unfolded as anticipated, with the team landing the 13th pick after finishing 21st overall in the regular season. The New York Islanders secured the top selection, while the Wings faced the unfortunate reality of being pushed back, despite having an 85.7% chance to pick 12th. The rule adjustments from the 2019-20 season, which limited teams to moving up a maximum of ten spots, played a pivotal role in the Wings’ outcome. This continues a disheartening trend for Detroit, which has not seen playoff action in nine consecutive years.

With the draft scheduled for late June in Los Angeles, prospects like Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa, and James Hagens are expected to dominate the early selections. The Red Wings' track record in recent drafts shows a history of being either stagnant or falling back, raising questions about their strategy as they prepare to select players from a deeper talent pool than in previous years.