The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan filed an afternoon notebook which discusses Marco Kasper’s return to health and status as playing tonight in the exhibition game vs. Washington, via coach Derek Lalonde’s assessment of Kasper’s potential:
Coach Derek Lalonde is pleased how the Wings’ organization has identified young players like Kasper and Nate Danielson, the Wings’ first-round pick in June, who are projecting to be fine two-way centers.
“I love what we’re doing and trying to do,” Lalonde said. “(When) you miss out on those top two picks year after year, those generational-type players, where we’re slotted in the lottery, we’ve got an identity of when we get there, we’ll be really hard to play against. Those are the type of players we keep trying to add on, which is exciting for a coach.”
Lalonde likes what he has seen out of Kasper in the rookie’s first NHL training camp.
“He’s played a little bit to his identity, which I like, a 200-foot (of ice) guy, good in every situation, every area,” Lalonde said. “It’s just experience. (He was) a little slow at getting over top in the Red/White game and got caught in a bad situation. Trying to do a little bit too much with the puck at times.
“But it’s part of his development. I’ll have a better feel in a game situation.”
Playing against a good Washington preseason roster will be a good test for young players like Kasper.
“It’s putting our young guys in some uncomfortable situations, which typically happens in the preseason when you get a very good (opposing) lineup,” Lalonde said.
