The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan spoke with Red Wings free agent signing Tyler Motte regarding his decision to sign with his hometown team:
“It’s good to be home, a place where I played a lot of hockey growing up,” said Motte, who played at the Plymouth Township-based United State National Team Development Program and collegiately at Michigan. “But with the team heading in the right direction, hopefully I can continue this push. I had conversations with Steve (Yzerman, general manager) and the staff over the summer, and I really like the opportunity to be part of this group. There’s a lot of familiar faces, so that has helped make the transition pretty easy.”
Motte was an offensive force at Michigan playing on a line with current teammate J.T. Compher and Kyle Connor (Winnipeg Jets), but has evolved into an elite defensive forward in the NHL. Motte thrives on the chance to go on the penalty kill or getting to face a tough matchup.
“I enjoy it for sure; it’s my favorite part of the game,” Motte said. “It’s not the most sexy part, but I appreciate the competitive nature of it. Being down a guy and trying to get the job done, the momentum swing it can create for the group. It’s something I’ve always hung my hat on. When you’re doing your job and helping your team win, I really appreciate those opportunities to do that.”
Motte has noticed an intense, driven team so far in camp.
“The group as a whole basically fell a point short last year from getting in (to the playoffs),” Motte said. “They played a little bit of playoff-style hockey down the stretch to make it interesting and be in the conversation. (The coaching staff) just wants a little bit more from us.
