MLive’s Ansar Khan wrote an article a little earlier today discussing Red Wings 2021 draft pick Red Savage, who’s very familiar to Wings director of amateur scouting Kris Draper:
Draper spoke of Savage’s character and passion for the game. It helped him get named captain of Team USA at the U-18 championship.
“Watching him play even at an early age, he just understood how to play the game,” Draper said. “Very responsible two-way player. As a 14-, 15-, 16-year-old player he probably played too responsible. That’s the way he was wired. He understands that’s how he’s going to turn himself into a good pro.
“He’s in good spots for his D, he’s really good in the (face-off) circle. Watching him in Texas (U-18s) he had some big blocks on the penalty kill, kind of plays a fearless-type game. He showed throughout this year when he got a little bit of opportunity that he could produce some offense. He knows how to play without the puck. He’s very intelligent, knows how to play in his own end.
“The one thing we want him to work on is the offensive side of the game, to score goals, to challenge himself to put up numbers. It’s going to be tough going into college hockey as an 18-year-old, but we’re certainly going to encourage him to do it.”
