The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan took note of the comments made by Red Wings assistant GM and director of amateur scouting Kris Draper today, after Detroit brought six new players into the prospect pipeline.
That number includes Victor Plante, brother of Max Plante:
Victor Plante had a fine season at the Plymouth Township-based United States National Development Team Program and is a similar, smart, offensive-minded player as his brother.
“Getting to know the family, it’s an incredible hockey family and we were real excited about the development,” said Kris Draper, the Wings’ director of amateur scouting. “Victor is wired the exact same way. A smart, competitive player that has a passion for the game.
“He had a real good year and the similarities, you kind of look at him as a bit of a late bloomer with the way his year went. He continued to get better throughout. He’s a passionate kid and we’re excited to have him.”
Also of note from Draper:
Draper also spoke about the addition of [Adam] Levac, who had 44 points for Peterborough (OHL), but isn’t necessarily the kind of offensive threat that [JP] Hurlbert or Plante is. Levac plays a gritty, in-your-face game that is strong on the defensive side of the puck.
“He’s a guy we saw a lot,” Draper said. “A right shot center, very competitive. He plays a 200-foot game and understands his responsibilities without the puck. He was an intriguing prospect. He’s someone we’re excited to have add to the prospect pool.”
The Wings are deep in the goaltending depth chart, even now without Cossa. Michael Postava, Trey Augustine, Carter Gylander and Rudy Guimond all are on the depth chart, but the Wings couldn’t pass on [Michal] Orsulak. A 6-foot-4 Czech prospect, Orsulak dominated in the WHL, going 28-4-4 for Prince Albert, with a save percentage over 90%.
“The way he competes, moves, we felt where we were in the draft, it was a real good pick to add,” Draper said. “Moving Sebastian, it opened up another goaltender (spot).”
