Marco Kasper is viewed as a long-term player for the Detroit Red Wings. Last season, while centering the Red Wings second line, Kasper put up respectable numbers, 19 goals, 18 assists, with 37 points. Kasper’s linemates are Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat. With just 3 goals, 0 assists, and 3 points, head coach Todd McLellan believes it is time for a reset. McLellan stated that a player with 0 assists has not matched what they thought his play would be. So on Sunday, when the Chicago Blackhawks visit Little Caesars Arena, Kasper will be off the second line altogether and will be placed on the third line at left wing.
This is not a demotion as much as it is an in-season reset. Marco Kasper has the skill set to center the second line, but right now, he is in a slump and fighting his own game a bit by over- thinking. Part of the thought process is that a player with 0 assists should not be on a line with the likes of Kane and DeBrincat.
The move is in no way permanent, as noted by the head coach, who said they are going to try to get him back to where he needs to be. Over the long haul, the Red Wings will be a better team with Kasper at the second-line center. Kasper, who has a high-floor and high compete play to go along with a strong two-way game, simply has too much skill to believe he will not bounce back.
J.T. Compher moves from the third line center to the second line. Kasper will be paired with Andrew Copp and Mason Appleton. Kasper agrees his game is not where he wants it to be, saying, “I don’t think I’ve played the best how I want to play,” Kasper said. “Worked hard over this summer. I think I work hard every day. But it’s sometimes you go through phases where you just don’t maybe play the way you want to play. Sometimes it’s frustrating.”
When a young player struggles, it is important to remember that player development is not linear. It is about learning to play consistently while teams have adjusted to the player.
