DobberHockey’s Victor Nuno posted an article in which he discusses the Red Wings’ prospects as part of DobberHockey’s “32 in 32” series. Among his comments:
Graduating Players
Moritz Seider, RD – After winning the Calder trophy, there isn’t much doubt that he is no longer a prospect. He is a full time NHLer and a great one at that. He’s a great role model for being patient with your prospects.
Lucas Raymond, RW – Raymond started off the season hot with 14 points in his first 13 games, but cooled off a bit. He was an early Calder candidate and still received votes and finished 4th, but didn’t have the second half of the season that was worthy. Regardless, he will be a staple in the Detroit top six for years to come.
On the Cusp
Gustav Lindstrom, RD – Lindstrom played 16 and 13 games with the Red Wings in 2019-20 and 2020-21 respectively and this season played all his games (63 total) in the NHL. He is no longer waiver exempt so if he’s not playing in the NHL, he will have to go on waivers.
Risers
Albert Johansson, LD – While Edvinsson is clearly the best defensive prospect outside of the NHL right now, Johansson should get more accolades than he does. He put up 25 points in 52 games for Farjestad BK in the SHL. He was 4th on the team in ice time for defenders. He will be in North America in 2022-23, I expect him to be one of the ice time leaders for the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL and should be in the NHL as early as 2023-24. He has top four pairing upside and if it weren’t for Edvinsson and Seider, he could score more than 40 points. With those two in town, his production will likely be more modest.
Elmer Soderblom, LW – After scoring just five points in 28 games for Frolunda HC in 2020-21, Soderblom had a breakout season in the SHL with 33 points in 52 games for the same club. He also scored six points in nine playoff games. He seemed to get better and better as the season went on. Really leaning into his size advantage and at 6-foot-eight, why wouldn’t you. He has come to North America and should get top six minutes with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL.
Carter Mazur, LW – Probably one of the biggest surprises of the tournament was Mazur’s play. He ended the tournament tied for second place in goals with Jan Mysak who played two more games. He was only behind Thomas Bordeleau, Sharks’ prospect, in points for the Americans. Mazur won the NCAA title with the University of Denver Pioneers and scored nearly a point per game in his first collegiate season. He will be back in the NCAA for another season and then will probably look to make his professional debut after that.
