The Detroit Red Wings have drafted Marco Kasper with the 8th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.
At 8th overall, Red Wings once again go to the SHL: they pick Austrian C Marco Kasper. Speedy, competitive center man playing with Rögle. Was excellent in the playoffs— Max Bultman (@m_bultman) July 8, 2022
With the 8th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, the @DetroitRedWings select center Marco Kasper. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/9lmnbZZABK— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) July 8, 2022
With the eighth overall pick in the 2022 #NHLDraft, the @DetroitRedWings select Marco Kasper!#LGRW pic.twitter.com/CzRdmHJw94— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 8, 2022
With the 8th pick in the 2022 #NHLDraft, the #RedWings select…
Center Marco Kasper! ?#DRWDraft x #LGRW pic.twitter.com/DmkFfXmr0E— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 8, 2022
#NHLDraft2022 @DetroitRedWings select Marco Kasper 8th Overall pic.twitter.com/uCMrlUXduZ— SiriusXM NHL Network Radio (@SiriusXMNHL) July 8, 2022
Red Wings just took a nice swing at filling in a top-6 center.
Welcome to Detroit, Marco Kasper! pic.twitter.com/EhzHkO1TTU— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) July 8, 2022
With the eighth overall pick, the Detroit Red Wings select Marco Kasper.#NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/VexgKA43u8— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 8, 2022
https://t.co/3hV05nA0CD— Sarah Lindenau (@Lindy72) July 8, 2022
With the 8th Pick in the 2022 NHL Draft the @DetroitRedWings select Marco Kasper!
Welcome to Detroit Marco! #LGRW pic.twitter.com/ox78qYvYnL— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) July 8, 2022
The #RedWings have selected C Marco Kasper with the 8th overall pick.#NHL #NHLDraft #NHLDraft2022 #HockeyTwitter #FPH @FP_Coverage⁰⁰
Full Draft Tracker: https://t.co/WHUx3nNMPZ pic.twitter.com/xLvcNRhv7S— Full Press Hockey (@FullPressNHL) July 8, 2022
Marco Kasper has a non-stop motor. He’s tenacious. He’s a little malicious. And he’s so much fun to root for.
Dive deeper into his game in this edition of The Film Room @EPRinkside https://t.co/PxMvmJfOB0 pic.twitter.com/IZMdK0ob1r— /Cam Robinson/ (@Hockey_Robinson) July 6, 2022
#RedWings select C Marco Kasper from Rogle (SWE)
18yrs old, 6’1 183lbshttps://t.co/TMUHwqtxxT— Anthony Bellino (@ACBellino) July 8, 2022
?? Gemma Oesterreich! Marco Kasper lands the 8th overall pick in the #NHLDraft and will join the @DetroitRedWings! ??@hockeyaustria pic.twitter.com/9vs4Xo35HO— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) July 8, 2022
2022 NHL Draft : Marco Kasper – 21-22 Highlights https://t.co/VmQnKHnO0I via @YouTube— Sarah Lindenau (@Lindy72) July 8, 2022
The Red Wings go back to Sweden with the No. 8 overall pick, taking center Marco Kasper in the 2022 NHL Draft.
“We think he has underrated skill,” Steve Yzerman said on ESPN. pic.twitter.com/H2Yip9f7TY— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) July 8, 2022
Red Wings select C Marco Kasper at No. 8 in #nhldraft2022.
He’s a combination of skill and strength, plays a smart, heads-up game with a dash of grit.
Adds bluechip center prospect, something organization lacked.— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) July 8, 2022
MARCO! ? pic.twitter.com/hU5gcR9kPZ— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 8, 2022
Great video here:
17-year-old Austrian?? Marco Kasper talks with us about playing with @roglebk in the @ChampionsHockey League & @SHLse, and the upcoming #WorldJuniors with @hockeyaustria.
➡️ https://t.co/bqqhdLt042
? Andrea Cardin / HHOF-IIHF Images#hockey #icehockey #eishockey #ishockey pic.twitter.com/PBo6dtfFEL— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) December 14, 2021
Things to like about Marco Kasper
*Top European center in the draft
*Played against men as a minor
*Steve Yzerman drafted him— Jim Costa (@JimCosta_) July 8, 2022
Update #1: The Athletic’s Corey Pronman:
Background: Kasper has played a lot of games for one of the best SHL teams in Rogle over the last two seasons and got a regular shift this season. He scored 6 points in 13 SHL playoff games this season as well. He captained Austria’s U20 team at the world juniors. He also played very well for Austria’s senior team, including a four points in three games performance at a tournament in November and a major role for their World Championship team.
Analysis: Kasper was easy to spot even in SHL games because of how powerful an athlete he is. He would often be the guy to wind it up in his own end to carry the puck due to his great speed and skill. Kasper has a strong 6-foot-1 frame, isn’t afraid to attack the hard areas, and can win some battles versus men as a 17-year-old. Kasper attacks with speed and skill, and while he can pull up to make a play or use his hard shot, his direct style of play will translate to the NHL. He projects as a quality top two line center.
Thoughts on the pick: Marco Kasper became a favorite of mine — and a favorite of many NHL scouts — as the season progressed. He’s a well-rounded forward who did so well versus pros this season. He may not be elite at anything, but he has the looks of a two-way top-six NHL center, which is exactly what the Wings needed.
The Free Press’s Helene St. James weighs in:
Steve Yzerman’s first-round picks already have had a beneficial impact on the Detroit Red Wings, and he picked center Marco Kasper.
He’s a combination of skill and strength, and playing in the Swedish Hockey League with men not only forced him to adapt to a more physical game but also improve his skating. He plays a smart, heads-up game with a dash of grit, using his size and reach to control and defend the puck. He cited his competitiveness as a reason teams should draft him: “I always try to win. I think I can help teams win important games.”
Kasper, 18, posted seven goals and four assists with Rögle in the SHL in 2021-22, splitting time with its junior club where he had six goals and seven assists in 12 games. (Kasper appeared in 10 games with the Rögle’s men’s team in 2020-21, which overlapped with defenseman Moritz Seider’s time with the club.)
Update #2: Here’s the Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan:
In an NHL Entry Draft filled with surprises, the Red Wings didn’t.
They drafted with the first-round pick, the eighth overall, center Marco Kasper.
The Austrian center played in Rogle (Sweden) last season, where he had seven goals and four assists in 46 games.
Kasper (6-foot-1, 183-pounds) is projected to be a smart and responsible two-way center who isn’t afraid to go into the hard areas.
“He can play all three forward positions but we drafted him a center” said general manager Steve Yzerman to ESPN after the selection. “We feel has underrated skill and he’ll play in our top six (forwards) some day.”
The Score’s Josh Gold-Smith weighs in:
What they’re saying
“Kasper was easy to spot even in SHL games because of how powerful an athlete he is,” The Athletic’s Corey Pronman wrote in late May. “He would often be the guy to wind it up in his own end to carry the puck due to his great speed and skill. Kasper … isn’t afraid to attack the hard areas and (won) some battles versus men as a 17-year-old. Kasper attacks with speed and skill, and while he can pull up to make a play or use his hard shot, his direct style of play will translate to the NHL.”
Pronman projects Kasper as a “quality top-two line center.”
“(It’s) hard not to like a guy who plays such a well-rounded game but is also willing to do whatever it takes to continue improving,” Sportsnet’s Sam Cosentino wrote in mid-June. Cosentino added that Kasper was “on the rise” as draft night approached because of his late-season performance.
“You won’t find anyone in the SHL, with the Austrian hockey federation, or working for an NHL club in amateur scouting who doesn’t like Kasper’s game and approach to it,” The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler wrote in early June. “He really impressed scouts all year with the way he managed one of the world’s top pro levels, but especially in the playoffs, where he was really good by any measure for a player his age before holding his own at men’s Worlds.”
Wheeler lauded Kasper’s patience with the puck and “really low panic threshold” while praising his skating and calling him “an advanced 200-foot forward.”
Tap here to watch some of Kasper’s highlights.
One of my faves, Marco Kasper. #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/9wJjIwxDf9— Mark Edwards (@MarkEdwardsHP) July 8, 2022
Mood ? pic.twitter.com/hy3nGN7jdC— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 8, 2022
The Newest Red Wing pic.twitter.com/4fXslcAQGI— Max Bultman (@m_bultman) July 8, 2022
He’s physical and capable along the boards, even in terms of manipulation; he recognizes the angle of defenders coming at him and knows how to beat them and escape them. He passes to the right areas, knows the next logical play in the offensive progression. He goes to the net, hard and often, and with purpose: to screen, rebound, and score. He has good first touches: takes them inside when possible and leads to next play. -EliteProspects 2022 NHL Draft Guide
Första mediaträffen som draftad ? #NHLDraft #roglebk pic.twitter.com/27V6Fk6ppi— Rögle BK (@roglebk) July 8, 2022
Till Detroit, som nummer 8 totalt! Grattis, Marco #roglebk #nhldraft #LGRW pic.twitter.com/PzHUrU0nLb— Rögle BK (@roglebk) July 8, 2022
Update #3: Bultman’s pre-draft story on Kasper:
Kasper’s speed and competitiveness jump off the tape when watching him. He has a motor that seems to never stop. Even playing in the SHL playoffs as a 17-year-old this year, he was able and willing to battle against men.
“He’s always working,” Rögle GM Chris Abbott said recently. “He’s competing, on the puck all the time. He’s very good around the net and likes to get into the difficult areas of the ice and is fearless going into situations.”
Kasper did play on the wing this year as a pro, which is not uncommon for young players, but played center with Rögle’s J20 team and is expected to play down the middle (at least some) next season in the SHL. His action in the junior league was limited because of his role with the pros, but Abbott noted Kasper naturally had more puck touches and was able to attempt more “difficult offensive plays” against the younger competition while still maintaining a workmanlike attitude.
But most of his action came against the pros, offering a steep test. Abbott praised Kasper’s maturity in that situation, and on the ice, even in the more tense playoff atmosphere, Kasper did not shy away from physicality. That’s a strength of his game, and something the Red Wings need more of at the NHL level.
“He loves to compete,” Abbott said. “He goes hard. He’s not inappropriate by any means. I think in fact he took a lot of abuse in situations that I give him (credit) for coming back and keeping his composure. I think he’s going to keep that up, regardless if he’s got a face shield on or not.”
Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff on Kasper:
He already has NHL size and Kasper is capable of playing center or wing. As well, he’s a leader. He’ll be captaining Austria’s team at next month’s IIHF World Junior Championship.
Kasper is already playing with men in Sweden and skated with Austria in the 2022 senior world tourney. His seven goals last season were the most scored in the SHL by a player 18 or younger.
“I think he’s interesting for a lot of teams,” Red Wings VP of hockey operations Nicklas Lidstrom said of Kasper during the SHL playoffs. “He’s strong on his skates, fearless, finishes hits. He competes every shift. It’s impressive to see a young player work that hard.”
By playing against pros on a regular basis, it could shorten his NHL adjustment period. This would be similar to the manner in which Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond fit seamlessly into the NHL last season.
Update #4: 97.1 the Ticket’s Will Burchfield weighs in:
The 6’1 Kasper, who turned 18 in April, was the highest-rated European center entering the draft by NHL Central Scouting. He’s considered a smart, 200-foot player with the potential to add more offense as his game develops. He tallied seven goals and 11 points in 46 games last season — as a 17-year-old playing mostly against men.
“His strengths include puck carrying and puck possession,” draft analyst Meghan Chayka said on ESPN. “He’s a play-driver … and a strong decision maker. Reads plays well, makes smart decisions offensively and defensively.”
Brian Boucher echoed Chayka, calling Kasper a “responsible” player who’s “not afraid to go to the high-traffic areas.”
“High hockey IQ,” said Boucher. “Maybe the one knock on him is, is there a ton of offense in him? But make no mistake, this guy is not going to shy away from contact or the hard areas. I think this a really solid pick.”
“I think (Yzerman),” said Chayka, “got his guy.”
NHL.com has already posted a video of Kasper being selected…
And he spoke with the NHL Network, too:
Kasper with Stevie Y ❤️ #LGRW
Via: @DetroitRedWings pic.twitter.com/6AIRo2qRAO— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) July 8, 2022
The Sporting News’s Bryan Murphy weighs in:
Detroit Red Wings: Marco Kasper, C, Rögle (SHL)
Grade: B+
The Red Wings needed to address center and they get that in Marco Kasper. The Austrian forward is a very intelligent player, who is big, strong and consistent. He drives to the net with the puck to create opportunities in the offensive zone, and he never shies away from the chance to lay a big hit. He’s not going to light up a scoreboard, but Kasper is a safe, reliable choice. Plus, he plays in the SHL, which is right on par for recent draft picks by Detroit.
Here’s USA Today’s Kyle Woodlief:
Center Marco Kasper — Rögle (Sweden)
Highly skilled traditional playmaking center with excellent size. Rugged and competes hard while playing at the pro level – has 80-plus games against men at his young age. Smart and dependable, intelligent both with and without the puck. Drives hard and finishes checks, can really put pressure on defensemen. Has plenty of skill with terrific passing touch off both sides of the blade. Has soft hands and a quick shot release. Opportunistic and instinctive around net, scores his share of garbage goals. Played (and scored tons) against players three to four years older his whole life in Austria before moving to the Swedish pro ranks two years ago. Plays a mature two-way game.
Projection: Gritty second line center/wing
Style compares to: Elias Lindholm
Everyone say ? to Marco! pic.twitter.com/Wef72Z1hkM— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 8, 2022
Fun fact, Marco Kasper’s first SHL point came on a Moritz Seider goal. Easy to imagine this Red Wings draft choice has Mo’s seal of approval. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/hctBtxFb3I— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) July 8, 2022
Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman on Kasper and the future! #LGRW
pic.twitter.com/L9qenWTmzI— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) July 8, 2022
Update #5: Here’s Detroit Hockey Now’s Nate Brown:
DHN’s Bob Duff wrote about Kasper’s high hockey IQ and how his skating, and athleticism have drawn “high praise.” Interestingly, and similar to years past, Duff notes that many analysts had Kasper at eight as a reach.
The same was said of course about Moritz Seider and everyone knows how that turned out. Kasper fills out a major need for the Red Wings and even with ESPN’s Emily Kaplan following the selection, Yzerman mentioned their hope of him being a top six forward.
“He probably could play all three forward positions, but we drafted him as a centerman,” Yzerman said during the ESPN interview. “We think he has underrated skill and he has thenability to play in our top-six one day. I can’t tell you if it’s next
year or the year after, but we have high hopes for him. We’re very excited with the pick.”Yzerman didn’t shock like others during the early picks of the draft. But the Detroit Red Wings addressed a major need at center.
Uffe Bodin writes in his blog that Marco Kasper (DET 8th) is set to play in Rögle next season. I spoke to Rögle’s GM Chris Abbott yesterday and he is in Montreal simply for the reason to speak to the team that drafts Kasper to leave him for one more season with the SHL club. https://t.co/eFXc0gwcA9— Szymon Szemberg (@Sz1909_Szemberg) July 8, 2022
Update #5: MLive’s Ansar Khan weighs in:
“He probably could play all three forward positions, but we drafted him as a centerman,” Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman told ESPN. “We think he has underrated skill and he has the ability to play in our top-six one day. I can’t tell you if it’s next year or the year after, but we have high hopes for him. We’re very excited with the pick.”
Red Line Report described Kasper as someone who plays “a mature two-way game.”
“Highly skilled traditional playmaking center with excellent size and vision is currently playing a top six role for Austria at the senior World Championships after making an impact in the SHL playoffs,” Red Line Report wrote. “Rugged and competes hard while playing at the pro level – has 80-plus games against men at his young age. Smart and dependable, intelligent both with and without the puck. Drives hard and finishes checks, can really put pressure on defensemen. Has plenty of skill with terrific passing touch off both sides of the blade. Has soft hands and a quick shot release. Opportunistic and instinctive around net, scores his share of garbage goals. Played (and scored tons) against players 3-4 years older his whole life in Austria before moving to the Swedish pro ranks two years ago. Does excellent work coming off the half-boards on the power play.”
Marco becoming a Red Wing. #DRWDraft pic.twitter.com/4vons9oicu— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 8, 2022
Here’s ESPN‘s Kristen Shilton:
How he fits: Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman got his man in Austrian skater Kasper, who was considered the top European center in this year’s draft class. Kasper, 18, cut his teeth last season in the SHL, and produced seven goals and 11 points against tough competition. He’s a high-motor guy who can excel in the cycle game, and protects the puck well. Kasper’s offensive numbers may not jump off the page but what he lacks in flash he makes up for with good decision-making, defensive edge and competitiveness. Feels like a good fit for the Motor City — Shilton
Update #6:
The Free Press’s Helene St. James posted a 6:15 clip of Kasper speaking with the press…
As well as a new article:
The Detroit Red Wings‘ latest prize draft pick described himself as a ” really competitive player. I want to win.”
Steve Yzerman banked on Austrian Marco Kasper to continue the impressive impact made by the Wings’ first-round picks since Yzerman was named general manager in 2019. Kasper, 18, posted seven goals and four assists with Rögle in the Swedish Hockey League in 2021-22, splitting time with its junior club where he had six goals and seven assists in 12 games. He’s a combination of skill and strength, and gives the Wings the blue-chip center prospect the organization needed.
“I know they are in a rebuild, but they have really good players,” Kasper said. “It’s a really good franchise.”
…
Kasper (6-1, 187) had his parents with him at the event at Bell Centre. He’s headed to Detroit to be a part of development camp next week.
“I’m really excited, for sure,” Kasper said. “There’s great hockey culture there.”
It’s a culture the Wings hope Kasper can help return to competitiveness. Yzerman hasn’t fast-tracked any of his draft picks and Kasper is in an ideal situation in Rögle, the same place that two years ago played such a key role in defenseman Moritz Seider’s development. Kasper gets to play against men, which will help develop his 200-foot game. Kasper can play all three forward positions, but ideally he develops as a center. Down the road, the projection is that Kasper and Dylan Larkin will give the Red Wings a solid 1-2 combo up the middle. Kasper is a supremely competitive player who excels in front of the net.
“I want to be in every game,” he said. “That helps you win.”
3 weeks ago we had @m_bultman on to profile Marco Kasper. Here why @TheAthleticDET beat writer was spot on with the pick. #LGRW
Prospect Profile: Marco Kasper | Featuring Max Bultman of The Athletichttps://t.co/Bf4KQDeUmg— Locked On Red Wings Podcast (@LO_RedWings) July 8, 2022
Here’s an earlier profile of Kasper from The Athletic’s Eric Stephens as well:
Kasper possesses what Rögle BK Ängelholm coach Cam Abbott calls “a great engine,” which made him a valued member of their top Swedish Hockey League pro club and, potentially, of an NHL team. Add in adaptability to what Abbott needs out of Kasper in a system that stresses 200-foot play, and you have a player who coaches can readily trust.
“He’s a smart player,” said Abbott, who first met Kasper at the end of 2019. “Very smart. He competes really hard. … He’s not one to force his skill set on the team. He has a very selfless way of playing. When that is the case for whatever team he’s playing for – and he transported the puck more even for us this season – with his feet moving, his skill level is going to show even greater than I think it did this year. But that wasn’t what was going to get him in those positions and the ice time he was looking for in the way that we needed to win.
“I think the skill level is 100 percent there. In my opinion, the finish rate — and when he gets in those situations more, it’s going to show well.”
Abbott touches on the things that could make Kasper a fan favorite for the team that drafts him – and what could mark his ceiling in that team’s lineup.
It doesn’t take long to see that Kasper is a worker when he gets on the ice, a player who is in engage mode and in full pursuit when the goal is to get the puck. The tenacity also extends to when he isn’t taking full strides across the ice, such as in front of the net, where he loves to hover and absorb pressure from the opposition to make it tougher for netminders to do their job.
But it is also apparent that Kasper isn’t a gifted passer or a necessarily imaginative facilitator when he has the puck. That isn’t a knock, as some players are simply better at some aspects of the overall offensive game than others. His combination of size and skating will make him a nice fit on an NHL club, but it doesn’t put him head and shoulders above his fellow players who will go in the first round. To put it plainly, the Austrian is good in many areas without being exceptional in one, and that may be why he could last until somewhere between pick No. 11 and No. 20 rather than be among the first 10 names off the board.
Rocking that jersey. ? pic.twitter.com/eHm9u3BBeS— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 8, 2022
Update #7:
Here’s The Hockey News:
8. Detroit Red Wings: Marco Kasper, C: It’s a double-edged sword playing for a smaller international program like Austria: you’re going to get opportunities, but your team is going to take some beatings. That’s been Kasper’s experience so far, but talent hawks saw his high potential nonetheless. “He played at the world juniors but barely touched the puck because they played Finland and Canada,” said one scout. “I think he goes high because he has that motor and competes like hell. He goes to the front of the net and has sneaky skill. Every shift, he does something positive. He’s a high-compete guy who helps you in the playoffs.” (From The Hockey News’ Draft Preview)
The best moments. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/9Y5DYJV5V5— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 8, 2022
Update #8: From the NHL’s Media website:
* Becomes the second-highest Austrian-born player selected in NHL Draft history, behind only Thomas Vanek (No. 5 in 2003 by BUF).
* Skated for Austria at the 2022 World Championship (0-2—2 in 7 GP) and was also named captain for his country’s entry to the shortened 2022 World Junior Championship.
* Played the majority of the 2021-22 season with Rogle of the Swedish Hockey League where he recorded more points than any under-18 player in the league last season (7-4—11 in 46 GP).
* His father, Peter, played 17 years of professional hockey mostly in Austria, where he is a three-time league champion, and for a season with the ECHL’s Florida Everblades in 1999-00.
The #LGRW have selected Marco Kasper eighth overall!
— Elite Prospects (@eliteprospects) July 8, 2022
Kasper was the No. 12-ranked player on the final Elite Prospects 2022 #NHLDraft board.@DetroitRedWings | @roglebk | #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/mHfVVRsFex
Update #9: Here’s FloHockey’s Chris Peters:
8. Detroit Red Wings: Marco Kasper, C, Rogle (Sweden)
Peters rank: 12
Report: A rangy center who can play especially well at both ends of the ice, Kasper has endeared himself to scouts with his unrelenting motor and unwillingness to quit on any puck or play. He has an aggressive, abrasive style that makes him a thorn in the side of the opposition. The big question with him is if he has the offensive upside to safely project as a middle-six center. He has the skating ability and skill to suggest more points could be coming, but 11 points in 46 games doesn’t really jump out at you. Teams really do love that motor he has, though, and with good reason.
Team Fit: Steve Yzerman is often full of surprises, but this pick seems very much on-brand. The Red Wings need a center and they also needed some size up front in their system. Kasper is a gritty guy that might have more offense than he’s shown. He reminds me so much of Anton Lundell, who is looking like a steal for the Florida Panthers. The Red Wings can make a decision on Kasper, either keep him for the NHL roster next year or maybe send him back to Sweden for more development time. Either option is good. The Red Wings have had a ton of success drafting out of Europe historically.
And here’s more from Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff:
On the ice, Kasper isn’t a friendly ghost.
“He’s strong on his skates, fearless, finishes hits,” Red Wings vice-president of hockey operations Nicklas Lidstrom said. “He competes every shift. It’s impressive to see a young player work that hard.”
Kasper’s determination to make it is evident in his decision to leave his native Austria to play in the SHL for Rogle at the age of 16.
“I like how you have to come every day like ready to play and I think against better competition, you have to be in a higher level and I think that that helps all the time,” Kasper said.
Update #10: Here’s Detroit Hockey Now’s Nate Brown:
Kasper indicated that he wasn’t sure if the Red Wings would come calling.
“I didn’t know. I’m thankful,” Kasper said. “Detroit is such a good franchise. It’s a great hockey culture and great fans.”
The young forward also said he prefers to play at center, which of course goes hand in hand with the Red Wings need. But the major appeal is that Kasper spent time in a professional league. The biggest challenge of playing in the SHL?
“Just playing against men,” Kasper said. “It was tough every game to just really be proficient. Just trying to do the best every game.”
Before Detroit even had a chance to choose, the draft was already abuzz about longtime first pick consensus Shane Wright falling to Seattle at number four. Beyond that, Montreal shocked when they made two deals to flip their recently acquired 13th overall pick to Chicago for Kirby Dach.
Yzerman mentioned during his draft press conference on Tuesday that he truly couldn’t worry about what other teams were planning.
“I only know what we’re thinking,” Yzerman said. “I don’t know what other teams are thinking, but we feel pretty good about where we are and we think we’re going to get a good prospect that will help us.”
I asked Marco Kasper for his impressions of Simon Edvinsson after facing him this season:
“He was a really good player. It’s tough playing against him. Good that he’s in the same organization now.”— Max Bultman (@m_bultman) July 8, 2022
Update #11:
Rögle BK >> Hockeytown. @BudLight x #DRWDraft pic.twitter.com/lkpJO0V6r6— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 8, 2022
Live it up, Marco! ? pic.twitter.com/V783UwzqMH— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 8, 2022
Update #10: From DetroitRedWings.com’s Jonathan Mills:
The versatile forward has also shined on the international stage, recording a pair of assists in seven games for Austria at the 2022 IIHF World Championship. He also captained Austria at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship and represented his country at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship.
“I’m proud to represent my country,” Kasper said. “It’s been a great opportunity to play there and play against some of the best players of the world.”
Now, Kasper will look to prove himself as a top-10 prospect. Fortunately, he believes he has what it takes to succeed among the best hockey players in the world.
“I think I’m a really competitive player,” Kasper said. “I want to win.”
The 2022 NHL Draft concludes Friday with Rounds 2-7, beginning at 11 a.m. The Red Wings have nine picks in the final six rounds, including two in the second round (40th and 52nd overall), one in the third (73rd overall), three in the fourth round (105th, 113th and 129th overall), one selection in the fifth (137th overall) and two in the seventh and final round (201st and 212th overall).
Welcome to your future, kid! pic.twitter.com/17RZuety52— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 8, 2022
