The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan has written a subscriber-only article chronicling the improvements made by the Red Wings’ defense over the course of the offseason. Kulfan concludes his column with this about Moritz Seider’s potential impact:
Here comes Seider?
Moritz Seider has been one of the top two or three prospects not in the NHL for the past two seasons.
Seider, 20, projects as a top-pairing defenseman who can anchor the Wings’ defense for a decade. Seider had a superb season playing in Sweden this past winter, and progressed steadily as a rookie pro in the AHL playing in Grand Rapids two seasons ago.
All indications are that Seider is ready for the NHL.
But, given the way the Wings’ defense looks, the Wings aren’t necessarily going to just hand Seider a lineup spot.
“If (Seider) is in the top six and he’s earned that spot, he’ll play,” Yzerman said. “I’m not sure if he’s not in the top six how much we’re going to want to sit him in the press box (and not play). We anticipate him making a really good push to play.”
Continued (paywall)
I have always realized that a Rookie has a good chance o be sent to GR. In this case (But, given the way the Wings’ defense looks, the Wings aren’t necessarily going to just hand Seider a lineup spot.) . I guess Wings have to be consistent in what the say BUT I would be shocked to see Seider in GR. If he is, it will be a very short stint, IMO. The only thing he has to get used to is the larger Ice size.
He is needed long term and there are holes in the D right now. Will see.
Fyi the full article is available on yahoo