The Detroit Red Wings’ prospects took a very optional morning skate ahead of today’s game against the St. Louis Blues (3:30 PM on Fox Sports GO), who lost 7-2 to Toronto last night.
Thomas Casey, Chad Yetman and Troy Loggins represented the forwards, Alec McCrea, Gustav Berglund and Jared McIsaac (limited action) represented the Wings’ defense, and probable starter Kaden Fulcher, try-out Anthony Popovich and the injured Filip Larsson (groin) represented the goaltenders.
The players were still put through their paces by no less than 6 Red Wings skill development coaches, and the pace and skill levels evident in the drills was impressive by regular practice standards, never mind an “optional.”
The good news injury-wise is that Filip Larsson is only shut down for precautionary reasons after experiencing tightness in his groin. Larsson spoke with the media after working on his butterfly, his skating and his puckhandling under the guidance of coach Jeff Salajko;
While he was slightly winded, Larsson told us that he came to Detroit early to work with Jimmy Howard for a month, and he’s learning to alter his style slightly in terms of his stance, glove, blocker and stick, understanding that he can’t reach for pucks at the pro level:
Gustav Berglund gave a superb interview, discussing his experiences at the prospect tournament thus far, his adjustment to North American ice and North American pace of play, and he spoke about his status as a “talker” out on the ice:
Finally, Jared McIsaac gave us an update as to how his shoulder is progressing. He can shoot and stickhandle after having reconstructive surgery this past summer for a nagging right shoulder injury, but he’s limited to practicing right now, and he hopes to get back to work in time for the World Junior Championship in December:
Update: The Wings posted partial video interviews with Berglund…
2019 sixth round pick @gustavberglund5 on his first Prospect Tournament with the #RedWings. pic.twitter.com/07Xrph9lP3— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 7, 2019
Larsson…
.@FilipLarsson30 updates us on his health and summer work outs. #DRWPT pic.twitter.com/MPF3gtPwYU— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 7, 2019
And McIsaac:
“I’m really happy with how I’m moving along.”
More from @McisaacJared on his shoulder rehab. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/W9F2YySPai— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 7, 2019
