The Free Press’s Helene St. James discusses the respective opportunities for Nate Danielson, Marco Kasper and Carter Mazur to make the Red Wings’ 2024-2025 season roster:
Danielson, who turns 20 on Sept. 27, had an impressive camp last fall, but ultimately general manager Steve Yzerman sent him back to juniors. Danielson turned pro in the spring, and got into two playoff games with the Grand Rapids Griffins. He plays a poised, smart game. He’s a center, but could start out in the NHL playing on the wing, à la Dylan Larkin. It’s a little less responsibility, a little easier transition for a young player.
Kasper, 20, already has a full season with the Griffins on his resume, with 35 points in 71 games in 2023-24, followed by seven points in nine playoff games. He spent the two seasons prior in the Swedish Hockey League, before joining the Wings in the spring of 2023 for what ultimately ended up being only one game because he was sidelined by a lower-body injury. He held his own in that appearance, which is why it was all the more disappointing to see an uninspired performance in last year’s camp/preseason. Kasper, likewise a center, has an edge to his game that bodes well for adding toughness and skill to the Wings’ lineup.
Mazur, 22, suffered a lower-body injury during the prospects tournament last year and missed all exhibition season, finally joining the Griffins at the end of October. He recorded 37 points in 60 games, and really shone in the playoffs, when he delivered eight points in nine games. A right-shot winger, he has an edge to his game, too.
Continued (paywall); I would still be surprised if the Red Wings chose to begin their season with Danielson, Kasper or Mazur playing in a limited role in Detroit over playing a more regularly in Grand Rapids.
Anything is possible, of course, but if the Red Wings suffer an injury, somebody like Sheldon Dries, Joe Snively or Tim Gettinger might be more realistic “bottom six” players to take temporary roles with the Red Wings.
It’s not that the coaching staff doesn’t trust “the kids” per se; it’s just more important for the Red Wings’ top prospects to develop into NHL-ready players when they do arrive in Detroit.
