The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler posted a “dump all the notes out of the notebook” article this morning–my favorite kind of article–and in said article, he offers this note regarding Red Wings prospect and TPS Turku defenseman Eemil Viro:
D Eemil Viro (Detroit Red Wings): I asked TPS head coach Jussi Ahokas about Viro on a recent phone call, and his answer was great. Apparently, the Red Wings check in often with Ahokas’ defence coach Sami Salo for updates on Viro (like more than is typical from an NHL club). Here’s Ahokas:
“Woah. Well first of all as a person, he’s a great guy. He’s a positive, talkative kid who is all-around a great person who works hard. As a person, I’ve got nothing bad to say about him. And then on top of that as a hockey player, he’s a really good skater, he’s good defensively, he can hit well, he gets pucks back and gets free, and he’s just an excellent all-around D. His skating has been the biggest thing, though. That’s what has allowed him to progress up levels early. He can play gaps well. He’s a smart 19-year-old kid, that’s for sure. I think the biggest thing he still has to improve is how he can carry the puck. That’s the big thing he has to work on.”
Also of note from WHeeler:
D Donovan Sebrango (Detroit Red Wings): Played physical, step-up style from his first shift of the tournament against Czechia. Nice to see him involving himself off the line and in transition offensively, too, because he’s a better player on that side of the puck than his production in the AHL has indicated to date. Struggled when under pressure with the puck in the defensive zone, forcing some plays. A couple of excellent stretch passes.
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D Simon Edvinsson (Detroit Red Wings): Looked the part of one of the top prospects in the tournament and nice to see the points continuing to fall. Quickly becoming more than just a transition guy and that much-needed finishing element inside the offensive zone (as a shooter and play-ending passer) is finally beginning to blossom.
Continued with many, many more notes (paywall)…
