Ahead of Thursday’s prospect tournament in Traverse City, the Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan has posted a primer preparing fans for the tournament, including capsule profiles of some of the Wings’ top prospects:
► Joe Veleno, forward (2018 first-round draft pick): Veleno impressed with the Wings in a brief look toward the end of season. But, with the additions the Wings have made, it’s going to be awfully difficult for Veleno to land a spot in Detroit unless he dominates in this tournament and training camp, and injuries hit the Wings’ roster.
► Jonatan Berggren, forward (2018, second round): Berggren had 45 points (12 goals) in 49 games for Skelleftea in the Swedish Elite League last season, and further ignited expectations he could become a forceful, top-six NHL winger. At 5-foot-11, 183 pounds, Berggren has dynamic, playmaking skills, although there has been concern about staying healthy. Before last season, his two previous years were shortened due to injuries.
► Sebastian Cossa, goaltender, (2021, first round): The 6-foot-6 goalie already has been christened the Wings’ goalie of the future, never mind he hasn’t played a game of pro hockey. Cossa was 17-1-1 with a 1.57 goals-against average and .941 save percentage in Edmonton (WHL), where he’ll play again this season. It’ll be interesting to watch elite players similar to Cossa’s age facing him in this setting.
Veleno has earned a shot at the Big Club. I really doubt if any players are going to step right in to the NHL with no GR. I think Veleno has kept progressing as he has moved around.
Seider is the only other one that might make the Wings but even as good as he seems, he might play some games in GR, the StevieY way?
Cossa played 19 games for those outstanding numbers, my jury is still out. It is going to be tough for fan to to be a Cossa fan. Beaking off will cause him and Wings problems, IMO