Tag: Filip Zadina

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Detroit Red Wings Filip Zadina is settling in at the NHL level

Due to COVID-19 the NHL 2020-21 season is only 56 games. In games played thus far Detroit Red Wings forward Filip Zadina has shown growth in his overall game. While his production is up and Zadina is now living closer to his pre draft status, the Red Wings believe even better days are ahead for the young  Czech Republic product.

This is the first season that the Detroit Red Wings have given Filip Zadina a chance to stick full-time with the team. Zadina has taken the opportunity to take full advantage of the Red Wings trust.

MONTREAL, QC – MARCH 12: Detroit Red Wings right wing Filip Zadina (11) skates while looking towards his right during the Detroit Red Wings versus the Montreal Canadiens game on March 12, 2019, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

While Zadina is still rounding his game into a top-six forward, he has given the Red Wings a good look at just what they have in a player who fell them three years ago. While Zadina’s goals are not eye-popping his total game is rounding out.

In 26 games played, the Red Wings have seen Filip Zadina score three goals with nine assists for 12 total points. nearly a half a point per-game. Zadina was touted as a goal scorer pre-draft. While the Red Wings believe goals will come his overall game has grown.

Filip Zadina has gotten much better in the defensive end of the ice. His forechecking has improved and the young forward is not as hesitant to jump into the mix on the boards as he was last season. Zadina has also improved on his passing.

DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 31: Antti Suomela #40 of the San Jose Sharks battles for position on the face off with Filip Zadina #11 of the Detroit Red Wings during an NHL game at Little Caesars Arena on December 31, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. The Wings defeated the Sharks 2-0. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)

Again, While the goals stand at just three on the season, Zadina has shown growth in other areas and has not been a liability when out on the ice. For a pure goal scorer such as Zadina the goals will come.

As for any young player in his first full season in the NHL, there is a lot to take in and responsibility to learn. Filip Zadina did not forget how to score goals. It is more likely that has been put on the back shelf while he learns other aspects of the NHL game.

Filip Zadina has shown the Detroit Red Wings enough for the organization to be excited about.

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Detroit Red Wings Filip Zadina heating up in the Czech Republic league

When the Detroit Red Wings then general manager Ken Holland drafted Filip Zadina two years ago it was widely known Zadina was a pure goal scorer. Detroit lent Zadina to the Czech Republic hockey team during the AHL/NHL shutdown due to COVID-19. In just three games played, Filip Zadina is heating up.

Four-goals, one assist in three games played. Filip Zadina is showing why he is one of the Detroit Red Wings top prospects and why he is an important part of the organizations future post-rebuild.

At just 21 years old Zadina, was playing well for the Red Wings during the shortened NHL season. After having a rough training camp in which Zadina was assigned to the minor leagues, the young forward found his footing and his scoring touch leading to a November call-up.

Filip Zadina has the offensive firepower the Detroit Red Wings need. His play last season saw Zadina move into a true top-six forward pairing player. One other aspect of his game that has grown by leaps and bounds is Zadina has become much more patient with the puck.  The talented prospect no longer forces the puck into the mix, he clearly is seeing the ice better and it is safe to say the game has slowed down for him.

DETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 24: Detroit Red Wings forward Filip Zadina, of the Czech Republic, (11) skates during a regular season NHL hockey game between the San Jose Sharks and the Detroit Red Wings on February 24, 2019. at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Now a very good puck mover as well as a sniper shot, Filip Zadina has shown he has upped his game and will need to continue to up his game as NHL defenses will surely play the young forward more aggressively next season.

The word on Filip Zadina pre-draft was his projection as a top-line, play-driving winger. Which is why he sits at or near the top of the Red Wings prospect list due directly to his potential.

Heading into training camp for a rumored January start up date for the 2021 NHL season, Filip Zadina will have many eyes on his as the Red Wings front office, coaching staff and teammates will expect to see his take the next step.

Given Filip Zadina’s track record, he will indeed take those steps.

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In a dark, no good, very bad season, Detroit Red Wings Filip Zadina shows promise

Embed from Getty Images The Detroit Red Wings have 38 games left in what has been their bleakest season in more than three decades. Yes, it is that bad in Hockeytown. What do Red Wings fans have to look forward to over the next three months, other than the draft lottery and chance to land the No. 1 pick? Filip Zadina’s development, is one thing fans should be keying into.

Filip Zadina, The Red Wings top pick in 2018 (sixth overall) has been making progress since being promoted from the Grand Rapids Griffins in late November.

Zadina  has five goals and six assists in his past 16 games, after being held without a point in his first three. Zadina also has 11 points in that time as well.

Probably the aspect of his game that has stood out most is, Zadina’s increased confidence with the puck the young forward is playing with poise. Filip Zadina is much more confident now than he was in training camp, when he appeared to be pressing in an effort to make the Red Wings opening night roster, he is more relaxed and his play reflects it.

This is one of the best aspects of a very ugly Red Wings season. Zadina has taken his game to the next level. He has done so in the NHL and not the AHL. Zadina said he feels playing in Detroit would help his game. He has been dead right.

On January, 6 2020 Zadina showed why he is a HUGE part of the Detroit Red Wings future:

Last night the Red Wings played Montreal, Zadina scored the game-winning goal. This is exactly why the Detroit Red Wings drafted him. This is what is going to be counted on for on a regular basis.

For Zadina, he has shown growth in the defensive end of the ice and on the power play, the sky is the limit. He is the real deal and is starting to play like it. In an awful season Filip Zadina gives hope to the Red Wings organization and fans.

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Top Detroit Red Wings prospect Filip Zadina is heating up

Embed from Getty Images Last week a t.v. announcer reported Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is considering trading Filip Zadina. I do not feel there is any traction to that story. Meanwhile, Filip Zadina’s game is heating up for the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Filip Zadina has scored in 3 games in a row for the Griffins. He has 5 goals in his last 7 games. Giving him 6 goals, and 9 points in just 15 games played this season.

Zadina was given a clear shot to make the Detroit Red Wings roster out of training camp. But Zadina did not. He did not score, he wasn’t noticeable  on the ice, also Zadina seemed to be lacking confidence.

There is little question Zadina possesses an NHL quality shot, and he has been working hard at both ends of the ice. The thought with the Red Wings fron office was it would be nice to see Zadina take a big step forward in his development in Grand Rapids this season.

Last season Filip Zadina had 16 goals and 35 points in 59 games for the Griffins and one goal and two assists in a nine game call-up with the Red Wings late in the season.

At just 20 years old,  the Red Wings are going to be patient and do what is best for Zadina’s development. During the Prospect Tournament as well as Red Wings training camp Filip Zadina did not score. For a young player looking to make a good impression it simply did not happen.

Now with his scoring slump behind him Zadina is showing exactly why he is Detroit’s top prospect. The goals are coming in bunches, after all that was on his scouting report. Zadina is one of those rare young talents, who when he get’s it all going can carry a team. That is what is happening in Grand Rapids.

What has been equally impressive is his work away from the puck. Last season that was a clear weakness. Zadina has worked hard to clean that up. He is more attentive in the defensive end as well.

In a rebuilding season, Filip Zadina is giving Detroit Red Wings front office and fans a look at the future. One that is not too far away.

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Filip Zadina scores his first NHL goal for the Detroit Red Wings

Embed from Getty Images When a rookie has only played in three games that is hardly reason to break out the anointing oil. But when it is a so-called can’t miss prospect it is hard to not feel excited. That is what Red Wings rookie Filip Zadina did for not only the Detroit Red Wings but also the Wings fans.

Last summer when Filip Zadina fell into Detroit’s lap at #6 in the first round of the 2018 NHL draft Red Wings general manager Ken Holland raced to the podium to make the selection. Holland did not use the full two minutes. Nor should he have with a player like Zadina who was thought to go top three.

“What I like is he’s looked more and more dangerous every game,” coach Jeff Blashill said. “He’s real dynamic on the power play. That is putting it lightly. Zadina has generational talent. He flashed it last night in Colorado when he sent a laser past the Avalanche goalie .

It goes a bit deeper, Zadina saw significant ice time. Over 18 minutes. His 5 on 5 play has gotten better in his fourth game. He was given a shot at the power play where he found the back of the net.

This is why the Detroit Red Wings are giving him a nine game look. They wanted to see if he could grow game to game at the NHL level. He has.

In his fourth straight game since being called up from Grand Rapids on Feb. 23, Filip Zadina was noticeable all over the ice. His defense even took a big step as Filip laid a hit on  Ian Cole.

Zadina also jumped on a loose puck in front of his own net and skated the puck up the ice to create a scoring chance in the second period. Again positive steps for the 19 year old. Showing the speed of the game has slowed down for him.

It is because Filip Zadina is a pure  shooter/sniper the Red Wings have struck gold. He is destined for 40 goals in Motown. When he makes the team out of training camp. Which could happen next season.

Now what did I say about anointing oil?

 

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Detroit Red Wings top prospect Filip Zadina set to make his NHL debut

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.

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Detroit Red Wings: draft profile Filip Zadina

Embed from Getty Images As the Detroit Red Wings, entered the 2018 NHL draft they had two areas that needed addressed. Center and defense. Thanks to the Arizona Coyotes, Detroit was handed a gift.

How often does an elite goal scorer get past the top 5 picks? Not often. Red Wings general manager Ken Holland, in a pre- draft interview said he was looking for the best player available. When the Arizona Coyotes, reached for center  Barrett Hayton. Holland struck.

Yes, the Red Wings need defense. While Quinn Hughes was still on the draft board and two other elite defensmen were also there for the picking. Ken Holland made the right pick.

Filip Zadina, from the  Czech republic. A 6′ 0″  superb two way player. A guy who can and does score from anywhere on the ice. His puck handling is other worldly. He does not get shoved around on the boards.

Zadina, projects as a winger but he also has the ability to play center. Thought to be gone in the first 3 picks Filip Zadina, landed in the Wings lap. It was a no brainer of a pick.

Filip Zadina, is the kind of player that makes it just fine they skipped over defensive help for. I am going to say it. Zadina, should be, better be at Little Caesars arena come October. There is no reason he should spend any time in the lower levels.

A first line of Filip Zadina, Dylan Larkin, Anthony Mantha is enough to make coaches restless at night. It is also enough to bring smiles to Detroit Red Wings fans.