Sean Shapiro digs into the Grand Rapids Griffins’ coaching changes, and the results thereof, on his Substack today:
With [Dan] Watson now at the helm in Grand Rapids, the Red Wings and Griffins are expected to better sync schematically. Watson and [Red Wings coach Derek] Lalonde have similar views of the game, and while Lalonde isn’t going to give a mandate on how the Griffins play — like some organizations do — there will be an understanding that organizational tactics take precedence.
Which brings us to Carter Mazur and Marco Kasper. Before July 1, there was a chance that Mazur and Kasper could start the season with the Red Wings. But after some veteran signings by Steve Yzerman, even with the potential contract buyout for Filip Zadina, it seems more likely that both will start the season in Grand Rapids.
Mazur turned pro this spring and played six AHL games for the Griffins, scoring six points, and then played for Team USA at the IIHF World Championships, where Lalonde was on staff as an assistant coach.
He’s already an organizational favorite who played for Little Caesars growing up, was coached by current Red Wings assistant GM Kris Draper, and from both a hockey and marketing perspective, could be a key cog to the future of the rebuild.
Kasper is coming to North America for his first full season after playing for Rogle in the SHL. He had a one-game NHL cameo, where he got hurt, which was indicative of how highly Detroit thinks of the 2022 first-round pick.
For both players, this season, where they will likely play in both the NHL and the AHL, is vital to the long-term and short-term build in Detroit.
Continued (paywall)
