The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan filed a notebook article which discusses both Alex Chiasson’s recovery from hip surgery and Marco Kasper’s evolution as a young pro hockey player:
If you’re looking for Marco Kasper, you can usually find him on the ice still working on his skills after practice. The Wings’ 2022 first-round draft pick (eighth overall) is a genuine rink rat, along with several other young Detroit players.
“It’s just us, all of the players, pushing each other,” Kasper said. “We all want to get better and really strive to be a hard-working team. Just working with the skill guys out there. That makes us get better.”
After a slow start last season, Kasper ended on an impressive note in Grand Rapids, with 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) in 71 games. Kasper was one of the better Griffins in the playoffs, with seven points (four goals) in nine games. Kasper felt his first pro season in Grand Rapids was a big step in his career.
“I have a lot more confidence this year,” Kasper said. “We worked a lot last year in Grand Rapids. That was a big part for us young guys to develop, get a chance to adjust to the pro level over here in North America and just work on our game a lot.”
Lalonde has been impressed by the amount of work Kasper has put in.
“He doesn’t even look like the same athlete as last year at this time,” Lalonde said. “He built some confidence from his growth last year and that was very valuable for him. He’s got some attitude into camp this year, which is certainly a positive.”
