Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen penned an article regarding Kirill Tyutyayev, the Grand Rapids Griffins-contracted 22-year-old with exceptional skill but not much to show for it–mostly because he missed almost all of last season with a shoulder injury:
When coach Ben Simon was talking about Red Wings draft pick Kirill Tyutyayev last night he sounded like he was giving the Robin Williams “Carpe Diem” speech from “Dead Poets Society.”
He didn’t tell Tyutyayev to “Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.” But in Simon’s own way, he told Tyutyayev he needed to seize the day.
“I think it’s important for him to make the most of whatever opportunity is afforded to him,” said Simon, coach of the Detroit rookies in the NHL Prospect Camp. “Whether that’s whatever role is in Grand Rapids — however that plays out — but make the most of whatever opportunity is given to him and don’t look back. He’s got to grab a job and grab a spot.”
Tyutyayev is doing that at the NHL Prospect Tournament. After Simon tweaked the line combinations, Tyutyayev delivered a goal and two assists in the 5-4 loss to the Dallas Stars.
Russian Tyutyayev, 22, is a Red Wings curiosity. It’s been that way since he was drafted in the seventh round (190th overall) in 2019. He’s a smallish player (listed as 5-foot-9) with an extra-large dose of hockey sense. He earned his first opportunity last season when he was signed for Grand Rapids. Injury ruined his chance. He only played nine games for the Griffins.
Allen continues, and yes, this is “the year” for Tyutyayev to “grab a spot.”
