Where do Barton, McIsaac fit into Red Wings future blueline plans?

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan - The Detroit Red Wings have been loading up on prospects through the NHL Draft the past several years. They have stock-piled several big Europeans and sure-footed North American skaters. As they keep adding to their growing selection of prospects developing around the world, the existing players in the development system have stiff in-house competition.

In recent weeks, it has become clear that the Red Wings are accelerating the prospect movement to the NHL quicker than they have in seasons past. Though rookie players are given a standard entry-level contract (ELC), it had been typical for Detroit to keep their top prospects with their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins beyond that until recently.

In light of that, there are several prospects in the midst of their entry-level contracts that have to either hit the gas to move up or be prepared to move along.

In this prospect update, a look into two defense prospects that could be headed towards the end of their tenure with the Detroit organization.

Jared McIsaac (2018 - 2nd round, 36th overall)

Coming out of the 2018-19 season with the Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL), McIsaac struggled with injury very early on. Having two separate shoulder surgeries, he was sidelined for some time and was left with an uphill climb in recovery. The mental recovery seemed to be the hardest battle for him throughout the following seasons. Though physically he has gotten himself back on track and has made improvements to his strength and overall game, the offensive energy has been lacking.

McIsaac has been able to contribute in regards to point production - he has 11 points (two goals, nine assists) in 33 games with Grand Rapdids this season - and is often in special team situations, capable of making plays to set up goals for his teammates. It's fair to say that he does produce when needed and, on occasion, at very critical moments of the game.

The drawback to his game however, is the lack of tenacity that seems to be unchanged. Now a few years removed from his surgeries, it is unlikely that is the cause for the plateau. The offensive style of defensemen that are coming through the system should spark some urgency to adapt his current style. He is a smart player - able to place the puck - but a tenacity is missing that is needed to accelerate his skill level to the caliber the NHL requires.

Seth Barton (2018 - 3rd round, 81st overall)

Barton, much like McIsaac, struggled early on with injury. His body has taken a beating and he has undergone significant bouts of injury rehab over the last few seasons. In the final year of a two-year entry-level contract, the 2022-23 season presents a final chance to make an impression with the Red Wings management/staff.

He has fluctuated between the ECHL and AHL for conditioning stints and is on the AHL roster when the Griffins blue line gets thin from other injuries, but he has not quite been able to find his stride as a consistent feature on the bench. He has served on the special teams and is a gritty player, willing to step up and get physical. Barton is pointless with a minus one in limited AHL action this season, appearing in 12 games with the Griffins so far this season.

Though Barton does have the mental fortitude, more so than McIsaac, he probably lacks the creativity and overall physical health to be considered by Detroit as a promising developing candidate.

Hard Truths

The harsh fact of the matter is that the Red Wings are moving players very quickly and have several in the pipeline right now that could be qualified candidates to make a jump - especially defensively. They seem to be setting a new precedent, long overdue, to move players who are positively growing sooner than they have in seasons past. They seem to be driven not only by a strong desire to create a cup-contending team, but a realization that talent has been wasted in seasons past.

Jared McIsaac and Seth Barton, though they have shown growth and strides in their given ELC tenures, the rate that other players are developing is forcing the issue. They are young and eager, however, there are younger and more eager players coming from behind that are unrelenting. The ability of either McIsaac or Barton to not only adapt, but exceed Detroit's expectations seems slightly lost on them. Whether or not there is skill in them, the organization does appear to have a more cut-throat nature in the 2022-23 season.

No doubt, if Detroit decides to move on from either defenseman, they will find positions elsewhere. Their trajectory to the NHL however, is questionable.

They are not the only two that Detroit will have to make a decision on in the coming months in regards to prospect roster space. It is a hard line to tow, especially for two players who have had to continually work back from injuries.

Under Steve Yzerman's careful watch, the Detroit Red WIngs seem to officially be on a playoff path and prospects in Grand Rapids will inevitably feel it as well.