The Athletic’s Max Bultman shares his takes on the Red Wings’ trio of prospects who participated in the World Junior Summer Showcase last week in Plymouth, discussing the play of Axel Sandin Pellikka, Anton Johansson and Trey Augustine:
Trey Augustine: Augustine entered camp as the favorite to start for Team USA this winter, and I’d say he leaves camp in the same spot. Canadiens prospect Jacob Fowler impressed in Plymouth, giving the Americans reason to be confident in the crease and some motivation for Augustine. He’ll have work to do this fall at Michigan State to show he’s ready.
But when the U.S. sat down Ryan Chesley, Hutson and Seamus Casey (all health-permitting locks on defense) for their intrasquad exhibition, Augustine was the goalie accompanying them, which speaks to his status.
As for what he showed on the ice, Augustine stopped 16 of 18 in half a game against Finland, and 13 of 14 in two periods of a blowout win over Sweden before seeing his tournament save percentage plummet in the final game, when he saw only seven shots against Finland but two went in. In a short tournament, that hurt his final number, and he might have wanted one of those two back, but zooming out it was still a good week for Augustine.
In terms of his longer-term projection, Augustine is immediately one of the Red Wings’ most important prospects. Detroit needed another real prospect in net beyond Sebastian Cossa, and though Augustine might not have Cossa’s length and athleticism, he’s found a way to build up a strong track record regardless.
Both are still a ways away from helping in Detroit, of course, and have much to prove. But it will be good for both goalies to push each other, and if they can reach their potential, it will finally give the Red Wings an internal option in the crease.
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