The Hockey News’s Eric Cruickshank suggests that Red Wings forward Marco Kasper is among a fine crop of NHL sophomores who may truly break out into NHL stardom during their second full NHL Seasons:
Marco Kasper, C, Detroit Red Wings
There are a lot of questions surrounding the ‘Yzerplan’ and what direction the Detroit Red Wings are headed in, but one player who has been a pleasant surprise is Marco Kasper.
Kasper started out the 2024-25 season in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins before being called up in October. There was understandably a learning curve for the 21-year-old, but the real turning point for Kasper’s season was when Todd McLellan was hired to replace Derek Lalonde at the end of 2024.
In 29 games under Lalonde, Kasper averaged 14:40 of ice time and had seven points in that span. McLellan showed more trust in Kasper, playing him 15:55 per game since the coaching change. Kasper’s 17 goals led all rookies in that timeframe, and he had 30 points in the final 48 games.
A full season alongside Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane should allow Kasper to solidify himself as a top-six center in the NHL. He could end up being a crucial piece to bringing the Red Wings back to playoff contention as soon as this year.
Continued; Kasper’s performance has been of no surprise to Red Wings fans.
