In a Monday afternoon notebook, the Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan addressed Cross Hanas’ strong performance at the Red Wings’ 2023 Prospect Tournament, Marco Kasper’s tenacity, and the relationship between Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde and his former assistant coach in Toledo in Grand Rapids Griffins coach Dan Watson:
“It’s been a unique scenario for the past couple years,” Watson said of Lalonde coaching the Wings, and Watson guiding the minor-league affiliate Toledo Walleye. “We’re tight. It’s a great relationship at the arena and away from the arena. We’ll feed off each other real well here.”
Much as in Toledo, going up a level to Grand Rapids in the American League, Watson feels developing players is the key factor for himself and his staff.
“We have to make players better, we have to make sure they’re doing the right things away from the arena and at the arena, because that’s what it takes,” Watson said. “It’s hard, it’s hard to make the NHL. But we want to make sure our guys are developing in the right areas so when they get the call (from the NHL) they’re prepared and ready.
“We want guys to have success and not take steps backward. If Detroit needs them, they’re ready and they’ll help your lineup. That’s our job.”
