Both the Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan and MLive’s Ansar Khan discuss the progress made by one Moritz Seider going into his first NHL game in the respective columnists’ Wednesday notebooks.
The Detroit News’s Kulfan notes that Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill believes that Seider is level-headed…
Seider, 20, has already spent a professional season in both Grand Rapids (AHL) and Rogle in the SHL. He had above-average seasons in both. That experience, along with Seider’s mental make-up, should give him an edge, according to coach Jeff Blashill.
“He seems to be really strong mentally and that can help in a number of ways,” Blashill said. “One of which is not being wowed by anything, wowed by playing in the NHL or (being) in the moment. He can just go out and go through the different challenges that young players will go through. He is mentally tough enough to get back up when he gets knocked down, with his confidence intact.”
Paired with veteran defenseman NIck Leddy, Seider developed a comfort level and got acclimated to the NHL style of play during the exhibition season.
“It was a good start,” Seider said. “I got to know all the guys a little deeper and we got connected pretty well. I’m excited for my first NHL game. I’ve been bonding with Nick pretty well there and spending time off the ice, too. We’ve got a good chemistry.”
And MLive’s Khan discusses Seider and Lucas Raymond as pillars of the Red Wings’ rebuild:
Seider, 20, is a big (6-4, 207), mobile puck-mover who can play a physical game. He will be paired initially with veteran Nick Leddy and will man the point on one of the power-play units.
Raymond, 19, is a smart and crafty offensive player with a good shot and terrific passing ability. He will start on the top line with Larkin and Tyler Bertuzzi.
“They’re skilled, they’re workers, they make plays, they’re responsible,” Larkin said. “You see it when you’re on the ice with them. They’re confident, but they’re not cocky. They’re going to be a huge part of this team, whether it’s now or later. If it’s now, it’s great. But they know that every night you have to bring it.”
Seider played 49 games for the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins in 2019-20 and flourished last season for Rogle BK, being named the top defenseman in the Swedish Hockey League. He earned the same distinction while helping Germany reach the semifinals at the World Championship.
“He’s got a lot of physical ability,” Blashill said. “He’s got a confidence and a moxie to him, a competitiveness to him. He’s got to learn how to use those assets to the best of his ability — when to move a puck, when to jump into a play, when to use his poise, when to take a chance, when not to. The good thing about him is he’s talented enough. I think he can make a number of good plays while he’s learning and making some mistakes.”
