MLive’s Ansar Khan penned a mid-morning article regarding the comments made by defenseman and free agent signing Oliwer Kaski on Friday:
The right-shooting Kaski (6-0, 190) understands he’s not assured of a roster spot after the undrafted free agent signed a one-year contract with the Red Wings in May. Right now, it appears the top six is comprised of Danny DeKeyser, Mike Green, Patrik Nemeth, Filip Hronek, Jonathan Ericsson and Trevor Daley. Kaski’s main competition might come from Madison Bowey, Dennis Cholowski and Moritz Seider.
Kaski’s age (23) and experience in SM-liiga, where he led Pelicans in goals (19) and points (51) in 59 games last season might give him the edge. Jiri Fischer, the Red Wings’ associate director of player personnel, was instrumental in recruiting Kaski.
“Jiri Fischer had me watch on tape before we got him and he’s got some real weapons, and I got to see him play at the World Championship and he can really shoot it and he has a real good offense mind,” Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said. “The question is when a guy comes over from Europe is, ‘How will they defend on the smaller sheet?’ We’ll find out and the same thing with Seids (2019 first pick Seider).”
