Of Red Wings-related note this morning:
- The Free Press’s Jamie Samuelssen weighs in on the Red Wings’ decision to draft Moritz Seider 6th overall in this past weekend’s NHL Draft:
What’s your reaction to Steve Yzerman’s first draft as Detroit Red Wings general manager?
I really believe the world would be a better place without mock drafts. I know the world would be a better place without draft grades. Sadly, the toothpaste is out of that tube and the downfall of western civilization will continue unabated.
When Steve Yzerman walked to the stage at the NHL draft and selected defenseman Moritz Seider with the sixth pick in the draft, it was a head-scratcher for most Red Wings fans. Not because they thought Seider was going to be a bust or because they covet some player instead. No, they were angry because Seider was selected higher than he “should have been” and as a result, it constituted a “reach” by Yzerman.
Was it a reach? We’re all certainly entitled to our opinions. I, speaking as someone who has never seen Seider wear a pair of skates, much less compete at high levels of hockey, will refrain from judgement. Yzerman has scouted Seider plenty and viewed him as the sixth best player in the draft and the available player that best fit the Red Wings’ needs.
2. DetroitRedWings.com’s Arthur J. Regner posted an article discussing Assat Pori forward Otto Kivenmaki’s 2018-2019 campaign, and Regner takes note of an intriguing comment made regarding the 5’8,” 154-pound forward:
I think there’s room for small players in today’s game. I just think the biggest thing in front of him is he just needs to put strength on. Really doesn’t matter, he’s 5-8. It’s not going to be his height as much as it’s going to be his strength. It doesn’t matter how big you are, as long as you can protect the puck and not get knocked off it, you’re fine. So that’s just going to be his biggest thing, his core strength and his lower body strength have to increase. He knows that. It’s not something that’s going to happen overnight. It’s going to take some time, it’s going to take a few years. So he is a bit of a project in terms of that but if we can add that to him, that’s going to give him a real chance to play because his skill set’s definitely NHL.” – Shawn Horcoff, Detroit’s director of player development
3. The Free Press’s Helene St. James wrote an article discussing Joe Veleno’s challenges as he turns pro this upcoming season:
Exhibition season is when players battle for positions. The Wings have eight regulars returning among their forward group: Larkin, Anthony Mantha, Andreas Athanasiou, Tyler Bertuzzi, Frans Nielsen, Luke Glendening, Darren Helm and Justin Abdelkader. Taro Hirose, a free-agent signing who had seven points in 10 games, is a front-runner to earn a spot. Christoffer Ehn made a favorable impression as a fourth-liner and penalty killer.
Veleno wrapped up his junior career with 104 points in 59 games for Drummondville in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He’s expected to start next season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, where he’ll have a learning curve as he plays against more experienced men.
“Coming from juniors, it’s managing how to create time and space for yourself and how to make plays at a higher pace,” Veleno said. “That’s one thing I’m definitely going to have to work on this summer and get used to for next year.
“For any guy here, it’s a big opportunity. Detroit’s in a big rebuild and there are a lot of open spots. I’m definitely taking that into consideration and giving it my best to play on the team next year.”
4. FYI:
Prepping for tomorrow’s live stream at Red Wings development camp. Didn’t like homework in high school but this is fun! pic.twitter.com/LySZuDNsao— Ken Kal (@KenKalDRW) June 26, 2019
Update: DetroitHockey.net’s Clark Rasmussen also posted an article discussing the jersey numbers won by the Wings’ development campers.
HSJ forgot De La Rose. He’s also signed for next year, unless they plan on waiving him. Seems like a bottom 6 placeholder to give guys like Zadina, Rasmussen, Veleno more time to develop. Don’t want any of those 3 on the roster this year.