Detroit extends Tuomisto for one year
The Red Wings have several areas that need to be addressed for the team to advance in the rebuild. Last season, Marco Kasper was able to step up and take hold of a role as a top-six center. Simon Edvinsson secured a spot as a top-four defenseman last year. This season, eyes are on Antti Tuomisto to see if he can make the jump from the AHL and into the NHL.
Tuomisto was drafted by Steve Yzerman in 2019, the inaugural draft for the “Yzerplan”. He was selected in the second round with many physical similarities to first-round pick Moritz Seider. Tuomisto stands 6’4”, is a right-shooting defenseman, and has a strong physical element to his game. Unlike Seider, however, Tuomisto has yet to secure a place on the Red Wings roster.
This upcoming season is an important one for Tuomisto. While he possesses many traits Detroit needs on defense, the front office is still determined to see him develop his skating and consistency. Last season was another step forward in Grand Rapids, but the team doesn’t seem ready to commit a place in the NHL for Tuomisto quite yet.
Tuomisto made his mark in Grand Rapids
Last season, Antti Tuomisto found a way to stand out for the Grand Rapids Griffins. He played a career high 67 games for the Griffins and racked up personal bests in the AHL with 27 points and 24 assists. Tuomisto led the Griffins’ defense in points, assists, and penalty minutes. A strong start to the year should see a call-up fairly quickly for the big blue liner.
Detroit needs more strength and grit on the blue line, and Tuomisto seems to have those skills in his game. He seems like a fit to replace veteran player Justin Holl, who seemed to struggle last season. Many thought that Holl would be a buyout candidate this summer, but so far that has yet to materialize. For Tuomisto to take the next step in his development, he will have to make a strong impression at camp and in the preseason. Even if that’s the case, Tuomisto seems to be a lock to start his season in Grand Rapids.
The opportunity is wide open for an NHL job
The Red Wings are well aware of their on ice deficiencies, and defensive issues are at the top of the list. As long as Tuomisto is healthy, this season will almost certainly provide him with an opportunity to play at the NHL level. When the time comes, his on ice play will determine whether he stays in Detroit or takes the long road back to Grand Rapids.
Tuomisto seems to be at the precipice of a “make it or break it” season. He seems to have the size and skills the team would want for a penalty kill and 3rd pairing right side defenseman. It will ultimately be up to the player to force his way into the NHL. This season could ultimately decide his future with the Detroit Red Wings.
Thinking he might be a trade piece for the Sharks Liligren. Lili is a gifted skater and Detroit needs mobility on the back end, not another pylon.