Sportsnet’s Jason Bukala discusses the Red Wings’ 2023 Prospect Tournament today, scouting the Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs and the Red Wings’ rosters. Here’s what he has to say about the Red Wings’ most interesting prospects:
DETROIT RED WINGS
Nate Danielson, 6-foot-2, 187 pounds, right shot forward
Ninth overall in 2023Danielson will be skating in his first pro camp after being selected ninth overall in Nashville and scoring 33 goals and 45 assists for the Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) last season. I appreciate his effort in all three zones. Like Fantilli, Danielson can be deployed in a variety of roles and trusted to give maximum effort. The Red Wings are bringing a big and strong forward group to Traverse City, so I’m interested to see how much Danielson benefits from the extra space that’s created by his linemates.
Marco Kasper, 6-foot-1, 192 pounds, left shot forward
Eighth overall in 2022Kasper came to North America at the end of his SHL season in 2022-23, where he played for Rogle. His offensive output increased marginally last year. Kasper is a responsible forward who can play the middle and the wing. He’s involved in the heavy lifting and isn’t shy about driving to the crease. I’m looking for him to define his game in Traverse City and give me an idea of his offensive upside.
Other notable Red Wings prospects:
Rookie games, and exhibition games in general, tend to range in defensive detail. Goalies are sometimes hung out to dry as new teammates learn systems. Sebastian Cossa is a massive goaltending prospect for Detroit, standing 6-foot-6 and 209 pounds. He spent most of his first-year pro season playing for the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL in 2022-23 and we’re looking for growth.
One of the biggest forward prospects in all of hockey will be suiting up for the Wings at this event. Elmer Soderblom was selected in the sixth round of the 2019 draft by Detroit and stands a staggering 6-foot-8, 248 pounds. Soderblom is still developing, but he got off to a nice start last season, scoring five goals and three assists in 21 NHL games and the same totals in 20 AHL games.
Continued; good stuff from Bukala, who will be attending the tournament. I’ll have to say “hi” to him.
