Detroit Hockey Now’s Tim Robinson spoke with Michigan State University coach Adam Nightingale regarding Red Wings prospect Red Savage, who’s transferring to State after two years at Miami of Ohio.
Savage is a plucky, gritty and competitive bottom-six forward, but he told the media at the Wings’ summer development camp that he wants to establish himself as a more multi-dimensional player under Nightingale:
Spartans coach Adam Nightingale coached Savage when both were part of the National Team Development Program in Plymouth during the 2020-21 season. Savage was drafted by the Red Wings in the fourth round of the 2021 draft.
“There were a lot of schools around him, and we were happy he decided to come to Michigan State,” Nightingale said. “We had a relationship. I didn’t coach him, but he knows me, he knows our strength coach, and he’s a guy who does a really good job. He’s a guy the guys (in the room) really respect. I think the trajectory of our program is one on the rise. We’re not there yet, but we’re headed in the right direction.”
Savage, whose given name is Redmond, is a 5-foot-11, 180-pound center who is a native of Scottsdale, Arizona. His hockey pedigree is extensive.
An older brother, Ryan, finished his eligibility at Miami last winter. His father, Brian, is a Miami alum who played for 12 seasons in the NHL, primarily with Montreal. Three of Red’s great-uncles, Larry, Wayne, and Floyd Hillman, also played in the NHL. Larry played three of his 22 pro seasons with the Red Wings.
Red Savage is among 15 newcomers to the Michigan State roster this season, and Nightingale is counting on him for leadership.
“That’s one of the biggest reasons we wanted him,” Nightingale said. “He definitely has those leadership qualities, and that will be important with a young group this year.”
Continued; Savage will play alongside Red Wings 2023 draft pick Trey Augustine at State.
