Grand Rapids Griffins coach Dan Watson spoke with DetroitRedWings.com’s Jonathan Mills regarding the Red Wings’ Prospect Games:
Watson said the Red Wings’ roster is brimming with up-and-coming talent.
“You can top it off with (Nate) Danielson and (Michael) Brandsegg-Nygard,” Watson said. “(Amadeus) Lombardi just joined our team, so it’s going to be nice to see how his summer went. (Jakub) Rychlovsky is more of an unknown, but after watching him through video you can see he’s a high-end talent. On the back end, Shai Buium has been around the organization here for a little while. There’s also Carter Gylander in net. He’ll get a full game (Saturday), so we’re excited to see how his development has gone this summer.”
According to Watson, the NHL Prospect Games is an opportune time to implement organizational culture and philosophies that will help the young players moving forward.
“It’s messaging,” Watson said. “It’s how do we want to play? It’s identity. Some of the guys on this prospect team we could see in Grand Rapids, so it’s also an opportunity for our staff to get these guys prepared. It’s a good start for us to make sure their compete level is high, that they’re willing to do all the little things and see how much information they can handle at once.”
When the prospects aren’t pushing each other to be their best on the ice, Watson said they’ll benefit from spending time together away from Centre ICE Arena.
“The good teams are the ones who can also have fun,” Watson said. “Detroit does a really good job when this is organized. From travelling by bus here, staying in the same hotel and team meals, keeping everyone together is the biggest part of this. It’s great to build rapport with one another and that team chemistry because that all shows on the ice.”