Embed from Getty Images A 9- game sample size. That is what Detroit Red Wings 2018 first round pick Filip Zadina has. 9 small yet important games. This way the Red Wings do not burn up a year of Zadina’s contract.
The Detroit Red Wings front office and coaches have made it clear they want Zadina to get a feel for the speed of the NHL level as well as becoming aware how physical the play is.
Zadina, at the ripe old age of 19 was called up from the Grand Rapids Griffins Friday. He is feeling no pressure. He understands he is getting 9 games to see what he needs to work on in order to become the player that has been projected for him to reach.
Filip has 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists) in his last 10 games with the Griffins. After a slow start to the season that found the top pick a healthy scratch so he could reset Zadina’s game has improved. He has earned this short taste of professional hockey.
On the season to this point Zadina has 31 points (15 goals along with 16 assists) in 45 games played with a -9 rating. He will be surrounded by Red Wing veterans to help him along.
Thomas Vanek and Luke Glendening will be the only voices the Red Wings want Zadina to both hear and talk with. A good move. Using veterans who have been in the league for a while will only help the young winger.
There is zero pressure on Filip Zadina. However, the Red Wings want him to do what he does best. Fire the puck at the net. Create chances for teammates. They do not want him to be timid. Zadina has said he understands what is being asked of him.
For a young player who by all accounts will be on Detroit’s top line with Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha when the dust settles on the Red Wings rebuild. The Red Wings are taking the proper steps with the young prized pick.
Today at 3:00 in front of the home crowd at Little Caesars Arena the Detroit Red Wings welcome in the San Jose Sharks. There will be more than a few interested eyes tuning in to get a glimpse of the future.
What is shaping up to be a very bright future in Motown.
