The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan posted a meaty notebook article this afternoon, and he discusses both Moritz Seider’s instincts and the future of one Joe Veleno (among other topics):
Blashill has been pleased with the way rookie defenseman Moritz Seider has learned when to rush up the ice, and when to lay back, basically knowing when there is a prime scoring opportunity and when there isn’t.
“He has great hockey instincts,” Blashill said. “The goal against New Jersey (last game before the break), it was the (Tyler) Bertuzzi goal, when he (Seider) stood up in the neutral zone to pick off the pass. He’s done that a number of times. He’s like a safety in football, he reads where the puck is going and he’s able to meet the puck and pick it off and go up the ice and make a play.
“He’s definitely made some real good players, maybe they are subtle, but they are elite-level plays.”
… With all the Wings’ forwards now back and healthy, there will be a question of what to do with Joe Veleno. Unless Veleno can carve out a regular spot in the lineup, it’s doubtful the Wings will let him sit or play few minutes, when he can play big, meaningful minutes in Grand Rapids.
“That’s a conversation between myself and (general manager) Steve (Yzerman),” Blashill said. “Steve would ask me where I’d have him and then ultimately if Steve thinks it’s best for him to develop with more ice, depending on where I have him and what roles I have him slotted in, then certainly he might make that decision to say, ‘If that’s the case then I want to send him down.’
“Ultimately, we want Joe to develop. So whatever is best for Joe’s development is what we’ll ultimately decide and that’s for further conversation.”
