During last year’s hiatus, I kept on getting Google email alerts about Red Wings prospect and UMass defenseman Larry Keenan, a 21-year-old left D who stands at 6’4″ and 205 pounds.
Keenan didn’t overwhelm statistically last season, posting 8 goals and 11 assists for 19 points in 39 games played, but the news stories I read consisted of coaches, players and scouts raving about Keenan’s leadership, clutch play and excellent 2-way abilities.
Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen posted a profile of Keenan today, describing the big defender as, “Keenan the Most Improved Prospect?” I’m not certain that the question mark is necessary as the 2023 draft pick has become someone whose name is in at least the “He’s going to make pro hockey” conversations, if not discussions as to whether his ceiling is that of a solid 3rd pair NHL defender:
Three Reasons Why Keenan Will Play in the NHL
- Possesses a toolbox that will allow him to be a three-zone defenseman in the pro game. He can have impact all over the ice. He has NHL-caliber skating.
- His offensive game is improving. He can skate the puck out of his zone and can shoot the puck.
- Gets his team out of trouble in the defensive zone. Can play heavy. Can kill plays
What May Hold Him Back
The Red Wings boast a collection of quality young defensemen looking to climb onto the roster. He must continue to improve both offensively and defensively if he wants to compete for playing time against the likes of Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Anton Johansson.
Continued; I agree with Allen’s assessment here. Keenan would raise more eyebrows if he wasn’t a defenseman in the Red Wings’ system, where players like ASP are NHL’ers-in-waiting, and Anton Johansson stands ready to make his pro debut at a rangy 6’4″ and 196 pounds, having earned some “wows” for his physical play both in the SHL with Leksands IF and during his 16 games (8 regular season games and 8 playoff games) with Grand Rapids.
Trying to break into the Red Wings’ corps of defensive prospects on the right-hand side isn’t going to be easy, but I certainly wouldn’t bet against Larry Keenan.
