Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen takes this quiet Saturday in August to ponder several training camp-related “thoughts“:
Moritz Seider is Still Only 22 Years Old: It’s hard to remember how young Moritz Seider is because he plays like a veteran. It’s probably too early for him to be a Norris Trophy candidate, but it’s not unthinkable. He’s listed on the betting odds, although certainly not as one of the favorites.
Just the fact that it’s acceptable to discuss Seider’s future Norris potential speaks to how valuable he is to the franchise. When the Red Wings are a Stanley Cup contender again, Seider likely will be among the league’s top five all-around defenseman and playing 26+ minutes per game.
This season, the Red Wings will be hoping just for his continued steady improvement. No player in this league, regardless of his skill level, intimidates Seider in a one-on-one defensive situations.
Berggren and Veleno Need to be Better in 2023-24: Jonatan Berggren scored 15 goals last season, but only four goals in his last 28 games. Joe Veleno only had nine goals and only two in his last 30 games. They are both 23 and need a breakthrough season.
Those two players served a mixed salad with their NHL performances in 2022-23.
“Some positives for sure,” Coach Derek Lalonde said after the season. “They took some steps but they need more growth. I have no problem saying they took a dip in their game towards the end of the year. Understandable for young players. We asked a lot of those guys. Even after the deadline their role increased more and there was an obvious dip in their production, and some of their five-on-five play. I think it’s natural for young players. I think it’s valuable to get those types of minutes in games. Now it’s on them…You would hope there’s a natural growth and progression in their game and they’ll be better for it once camp starts next year.”
