MLive’s Ansar Khan penned a profile of Red Wings prospect David Pope this morning, discussing the 24-year-old’s developmental curve:
“(College) was definitely the right route for me,” Pope said. “I needed a little bit more time to kind of figure out my game and grow into my body and get a lot stronger. Now I have my degree (in Kinesiology) and it’s all about hockey.
“I think the time in the NCAA kind of helps you hone-in your skills and develop your game, not only on the ice but how to be a professional as well.”
The Red Wings selected Pope (6-3, 198) in the fourth round in 2013 (109th overall). He blossomed the past two years in college. As a senior, he picked up 20 goals and 41 points in 35 games.
Michael Rasmussen and Filip Zadina, the club’s past two No. 1 picks, appear to have the edge over other forward prospects in the competition for roster spots.
Pope said he needs to improve his skating, not technique, but stamina. He will continue working with skating coach Stacy Barber this summer.
“I’m one of those kids who just developed a little bit later,” Pope said. “I think a lot of it was just growing into my body. When you start to get a little bit of that man strength, everything kind of comes together from there.”
Khan continues, and he posted a short video of Pope speaking with the media during development camp:
