by Jeremy Laura
MARCO KASPER
The Detroit Red Wings have some gaps to fill to compete for a playoff spot. External options are being reviewed for trade or in free agency. One of the surprising upgrades last season came from the internal pipeline.
Red Wings rookie Marco Kasper is making an impression on the World stage. After breaking out in the 2nd half of the season in Detroit, the momentum continues. In 5 games for Austria, Kasper has 4 goals and 1 assist. He’s also showing impressive physicality.
Kasper was a player fans thought should be in Detroit after last year’s preseason. His relentless drive and skill made him a standout for the team. After initially being sent to Grand Rapids, the call-up came quickly and led to a 77-game season.
Of his 19 goals, 17 were scored after the coaching change in December. Todd McLellan increased Kasper’s deployment, putting him on the top line. The time spent on the left wing for Dylan Larkin showed promise. Kasper had no problem jumping into board battles and making plays. Then, another big move came.
Kasper was assigned as the center for Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat. That line was the most consistent in terms of strong play down the stretch. Larkin had a tough return from 4 Nations, as did Lucas Raymond. Both seemed to struggle as the team hit a tough losing streak. Kasper’s move seemed to raise the bar for the team. Unfortunately, the postseason was out of reach.
A trip to the IIHF World’s tournament has seen a continuation in growth. Kasper’s 4 goals have some impressive looks. Beating three defenders and patiently waiting out a goalie. A quick drop pass and snap shot to put Austria on the board. Added with some big hits Kasper looks to be a big upside for Detroit’s top 6.
DRAFT IS WIDE OPEN:
At this point, there is no consensus on Detroit’s draft pick. Last year mock drafting accurately picked Michael Brandsegg-Nygard. This year sees a lot of diverse opinions on who the team will grab at #13.
Both the Bleacher Report and Tankathon have Detroit selecting Lynden Lakovic . Carter Bear received three picks. NHL.com’s Kimmelman, the Daily Faceoff, and Lines.com all selected the C/LW. Viktor Eklund secured the favor of 2 sources including NHL.com’s Morreale and the New York Times.
It feels like a distant hope that Eklund will still be on the board. Bear may slip a bit with a recent injury. Regardless, this seems to be a “best player available” year. The front office doesn’t seem locked in on a positional pick. There are multiple centerman and defenseman coming up through the pipeline.
TOP PROSPECTS
Amadeus Lombardi and Nate Danielson are both on Detroit’s radar at the center position. Lombardi’s season was cut short by injury to 44 games. The 2022 4th round pick still managed 19 goals and 21 assists in that time. Danielson is still finding his way offensively. The 2023 first-round pick tallied 12 goals and 27 assists in 71 games.
Defensively the discussion is more interesting. Antti Tuomisto and William Wallinder had a strong season. Shai Buium came on strong, especially with the arrival of Anton Johannson. That pairing brings a much-needed physical presence to the blue line. Axel Sandin-Pellikka has been an offensive force during his two seasons in Sweden.
Sebastian Cossa may see more time in Grand Rapids at the goaltending position. The 2021 first-round pick has shown flashes of promise, but can be hot and cold. Trey Augustine has opted for a 3rd season at MSU, though Detroit would love to have him signed. That situation may bear watching as the NCAA career has been strong. The two Big 10 championships have shown a strong prospect. His decision not to sign gets him close to the 4th and final year before Detroit’s rights expire.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Detroit’s promise is in the drafted prospects and players. Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond secured sizeable raises last summer. Marco Kasper seized a job and continues to impress. 4 defenseman, 2 centermen are all pushing for a shot. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and Carter Mazur are both getting attention at wing. Mazur has had terrible luck with staying healthy, a solid season could secure his place.
Free Agency has not yielded what the team needed. Patrick Kane has been the strongest acquisition. Tarasenko, Copp and Compher all struggled to meet expectations. The blue line pickups have also not performed as hoped or needed.
Detroit will continue to follow draft and development as the foundation of the rebuild. The team needs to find a way to get a strong upgrade via trade or free agency. Fans seem to be running out of patience. This summer’s decisions may have a massive impact on Yzerman’s legacy as Detroit’s general manager.
I have my doubts that Detroit will be picking in the 1st round.