Tag: Detroit Red Wings

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Detroit Red Wings making scouting changes

Embed from Getty Images When the Detroit Red Wings introduced Steve Yzerman as team general manager back in April, Yzerman spoke at length about how he trusts his scouts. While the Wings legend does his own scouting, he values his scouts and counts on them heavily for input.

Steve Yzerman made the choice to  release amateur scouting director Tyler Wright and chief amateur scout Jeff Finley. “Our contracts were not renewed,” said Finley, who scouted for 10 years with the Wings. “Steve (Yzerman) said basically they had different plans. It’s the nature of the business, putting your own people in place. We’ve had a few high draft picks lately in Detroit and we feel we’ve made good picks.”

Finley said Wright and former Detroit pro scout Archie Henderson were hired last Thursday by former Wings GM Ken Holland in Edmonton. Detroit assistant GM Chris Draper  is among the candidates to replace Tyler Wright as the team’s director of amateur scouting.

What is the underling factor in the scouting department shakeup is, the fact Yzerman is used to working with his people he has a history with so he began the process of bringing in his people. The same people whom he trusted in Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay was a top five team during Yzerman’s time as Lightning GM.

Pat Verbeek, Yzerman’s main and most trusted confidant’s while with the Lightning was the first brought in to Detroit. Yzerman also hired his brother, Chris, and booted Glenn Merkosky, who’d been scouting for the Wings since 1999.

Steve Yzerman hinted more changes are coming. But this is a big first move. One that should bay high dividends for the Red Wings moving forward. While the former Red Wings scouts did have some solid draft picks, it became clear during this past NHL amateur draft Yzerman drafted 3 defensive players with Detroit’s first four draft picks. A clear sign Yzerman was not all that thrilled the organization is forward heavy.

Perhaps, this was Yzerman’s plan all along. But he did allow the released scouts the chance to work and attend the draft. What happened at the draft is anyone’s guess.

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Detroit Red Wings defenseman Dennis Cholowski looks to improve and stick in Detroit

Embed from Getty Images Last season nothing came easy for Detroit Red Wings rookie defenseman Dennis Cholowski. After a solid start to the 2018-19 NHL season, Cholowski’s play had slipped a lot. Hot on his tail was another Red Wings rookie defender,  Filip Hronek who overcame his own shortcomings and earned more playing time. Dennis Cholowski found himself demoted to the Grand Rapids Griffins.

The Detroit Red Wings 2016 first-round draft pick, Cholowski, is viewed as a player who if he can stay mentally strong has another chance to make the Detroit roster out of training camp. That will be a tough road given the veteran depth at the defensive position.

Dennis Cholowski must show up and compete hard to avoid being  disappointed again. Dennis said he has spoke with Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman about his expectations for the young defensive player.

“It’s really just being more responsible, having the coach’s trust to be able to put me out and know that I’m not going to get scored on, that I can box guys out, that I can kill plays in the D-zone,” Dennis Cholowski told reporters. “If I can come in and do that, and then let my offensive side take over, I think I’ll be OK.”

Steve Yzerman has said he wants to see players earn their spots and that “the most competitive kids are going to make our team better.” Last season Cholowski’s mistakes outweighed his solid contributions to the team. At Christmas, Cholowski had 14 points in 36 games and was a team worst minus 11. From Christmas until Feb. 10, Cholowski had one goal and one assist in 16 games, and was  a team worst minus 9, a strong sign his defensive play was not where it should be.

Being mentally strong, being smart with the puck, being smarter with passes, will help Cholowski’s game improve. Consistent playing time will earn trust with coach’s and the general manager.

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Detroit Red Wings: The Yzerman way

Embed from Getty Images Steve Yzerman  worked wonders for a rebuilding Tampa Bay Lightning team and organization. He did it through shrewd trades, contract buyouts and outstanding draft picks. Yzerman has recently said he does not believe you can build a team through free agency. So how does one of the best general managers in sports build his team for prolong success? Let us take a closer look.

To see how Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is building the Detroit Red Wings, we need to look at the Tampa Bay Lightning roster. Doing this will give a strong indication of where he is taking the Red Wings.

Much like when he took over the Red Wings, Tampa Bay had some nice young players who are now the core of the Lightning’s roster. Steve Stamkos was already in Tampa when Yzerman arrived. That is a nice place to start. Defensive star Victor Hedman was also there.

Yzerman then got to work. One of the best at drafting hidden talent. Yzerman quickly amassed outstanding talent which aided the Lightning’s then rebuild. One thing Steve Yzerman did not do, sign big name free agents. Why not? The reason is free agents give a quick fix, much like a band-aid. Free agents do not equate to long term success.

Yzerman is a big, huge believer in team chemistry. Allowing young players the opportunity to play and grow together. After all, that is what Yzerman was exposed to when he played for the Red Wings.

Detroit has already let young players gel together. Dylan Larkin, Andreas Athanasiou, Tyler Bertuzzi, Anthony Mantha, Dennis Cholowski, Filip Hronek. Those players have all been together for two seasons. So soon to be Red Wings Joe Veleno and Filip Zadina will add to the Red Wings offensive fire power.

Yzerman struck again in his first draft as Red Wings GM. Taking Moritz Seider in the first round. Many fans and media were caught off guard. Last week at Red Wings developmental camp Seider stood out. In a good way mind you. He skates very well for a big man and is able to create in the offensive end Seider looks like the franchise defenseman the Wings so desperately need.

It is safe to say, once Yzerman has the young players he deems to be ready to take the next step, he will add bigger name free agents. It is also safe to say he will not sign any big name free agents. Yzerman as good as he was as a player (see NHL Hall of Fame) does not want the drama some players bring.

Right or wrong, Yzerman has a solid history of putting Stanley Cup caliber teams on the ice. This is what has come to Motown.

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The Detroit Red Wings have faith in goalie Filip Larsson

Embed from Getty Images Filip Larsson is preparing for his first pro season with the Grand Rapids Griffins. If it is anything like his final two seasons as an amateur, the Griffins and Detroit Red Wings fans will be delighted.

Playing at the University of Denver,  Larsson went 13-6-3, with a 1.95 goals-against average and .932 save percentage. Previously, Larsson was named USHL goaltender of the year by the league’s general managers, going 18-10-0, with a 1.65 GAA, .941 save percentage and seven shutouts for Tri-City, in what was described as one of the best seasons by a goalie in USHL history.

Detroit Red Wings fans wonder is Filip Could Larsson arrive in Detroit in 2020-21? He insists he is only focused on getting better. His numbers suggest that will not be an issue.

Larsson has progressed each season since the Red Wings drafted him in the sixth round in 2016, particularly with his hands and stickwork. Larsson said he’s working with Red Wings goalie development coach Brian Mahoney-Wilson which has helped a lot in his development.

“I played good at every level the last three years, so I think to get that next step is just going to be fun and I’m ready to take that,” Filip Larsson said. The fact that Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman did not make a move at goalie sends a clear signal Filip Larrson is the goalie of the future.

At just 20 years old, the young goalie has made waves in hockey inner circles. Teams asked about him in potential trades. The Red Wings said no and were wise to do so.

Last summer, Larrson missed development camp because he was still recovering from an injury suffered in February 2018. He had surgery last September.  He is in Detroit this summer for prospect camp.

Filip Larsson said he plans to go back to Sweden after development camp wraps up Saturday, and then return in a month to train. One of his goals is to prepare for facing better shooters

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Joe Veleno thinks he can play for the Detroit Red Wings this season

Embed from Getty Images “I do, I think so,” Joe Veleno said. “For any guy here, it’s a big opportunity. Detroit’s in a big rebuild and there’s a lot of open spots. I’m definitely taking that into consideration and giving it my best to play on the team next year.” Responding to the question if the young center feels he can make it to Detroit at some point this season.

After spending the last four years in juniors, 19 year old Joe Veleno is confident he can take the next step. That next step will most likely see Veleno start the 2019-20 season in Grand Rapids with the Griffins.

Rewind for a moment to the 2018 NHL draft. Joe Veleno was widely viewed as a first round 10-15 draft pick. He fell all the way to #30 in the first round. Then Detroit Red Wings general manager, Ken Holland made an easy call.

Joe Veleno understands his season will start in Grand Rapids, in the AHL. It will allow him to adjust to the pro game away from the pressures of the NHL. If he adjusts well, he could be summoned to Detroit.

Development camp is underway at Little Caesars Arena. This is the time for prospects to show how much they have grown and where they’re placement could be. The five-day event kicked off with a dinner highlighted by a speech from Steve Yzerman, two months into his reign as general manager.

Veleno said Yzerman’s speech was centered on the fact the Red Wings are in a rebuild and there are open roster spots to be won. “He was telling us there are going to be a lot of open spots and it doesn’t matter if you’re a first round draft pick or a camp invite, everyone is battling for a position,” Veleno said.

Veleno wrapped up his junior career with 104 points in 59 games for Drummondville in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Solid number to be sure. Joe Veleno said he is going to work on  how to create time and space for yourself and how to make plays at a higher pace.

It will be interesting to how Joe Veleno develops this summer and upcoming season.

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How I evaluate talent

Embed from Getty Images I was asked how I evaluate talent recently. While I am absolutely not a trained scout, I do have a firm understanding of skill, sports IQ and how a potential prospect fits the dynamics of a team. With that said, I will walk you through how I identified Moritz Seider as a good draft pick for the Detroit Red Wings.

The first thing I look at are strengths and weaknesses. Moritz Seider’s strengths are: Skating, decision making and defensive awareness. While his weakness is puck control. So as you can see strength outweighs the weakness. That is a plus.

Next it is a bit more involved, I try to weed through (in this case) NHL potential. Which means a lot of Youtube. Player highlights, complete games and spotlight (on that prospect only.)

 

Moritz Seider, is a big, mobile and very smart two-way defenseman with few weaknesses. Seider plays a mature game with strong and consistent defensive decisions. Offensively, his vision allows him to be a very good passer and he is also good at getting his shot through. As you can see in the highlight provided by Youtube.

Seider’s best attribute is his hockey IQ. . He can anticipate plays, sometimes two steps ahead of his opponents,  his backward speed and mobility allow him to play a tight gap in the neutral zone,  defensively sound and can be relied upon on the penalty kill because of his great gap control,  He recognizes his options when playing the puck and rarely makes an unforced errors.
Moritz is a big. Something the Detroit Red Wings lack on defense currently. Detroit Red Wings general manager, Steve Yzerman made it know he likes to build his teams from the back-end out. With that in mind. A big defensman, Yzerman likes to build defense first. It was easy for me to come to the conclusion Detroit was going defense with they’re first round draft pick. Over the glam names and centers that were still on the board.
Yes the Detroit Red Wings have some very good defensive prospects. In my opinion Moritz Seider is right there with Filip Hroneck at the top of the list for the Wings.
So that is how I identify prospects for the teams I follow.
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The Detroit Red Wings 2019 NHL draft: Day 2

Embed from Getty Images April 19, 2019, Steve Yzerman returned to the Detroit Red Wings organization. The only organization he knew during his 20 year Hall of Fame career. When he fielded questions from the media right after accepting the general manager position, Yzerman was asked what his first order of business would be. His answer, “To assess the entire organization and go from there.”

Steve Yzerman’s assessments have become crystal clear. Clearly we was not happy with the current state of the Detroit Red Wings defense. Friday nights first round of the NHL draft saw Yzerman and his scouting department begin to overhaul and reshape the defense.

Starting with first round draft pick Moritz Seider, The Red Wings would continue to add defense. With the first of three second round draft picks Detroit picked Finnish defensemen Antti Tuomisto.  standing 6′ 4″ he is the same size as Moritz Seider.

Tuomisto, is fast he has a powerful stride he reaches top speed quickly with his above average acceleration. Tuomisto is hard to knock off the puck. He absolutely needs to add upper body strength to improve leverage.

Red Wings fans will be happy Antti Tuomisto is an offensive defensemen. He is nasty on the forecheck and is a very good passer, allowing him to quarterback the power play. He needs to polish his defensive skills up a bit. Once he adds some muscle Tuomisto will be very dangerous in the dirty areas. He excels at blocking shots.

With the next second round pick, Detroit went offense. Robert Mastrosimone. In Mastrosimone the Red Wings get a left wing/ center who is a good not great skater. Robert does possess a explosive first step and acceleration. He has some rough aspects to his game that need to be refined.

What Mastrosimone is, is a sniper. He has an above average heavy wrist shot and excellent release. He has very good stick handling ability and is dangerous one on one. His defensive game needs to be more consistent.

With they’re third and final second round draft pick, The Detroit Red Wings selected a prospects I am very high on. Going defense for the third time in the first four draft picks, Detroit picked Albert Johansson.

Albert Johansson is shorter than both Moritz Seider and Antti Tuomisto. Johansson stands an even 6′ 0″.  Albert becomes the Detroit Red Wings best skating defensive prospect. Great speed, great acceleration combined with the ability to pivot crisply allows Albert to transition quickly from defense to offense and vice versa.

Johansson has great stickhandling control has has very good vision up the ice. He is very good at avoiding defenders in the offensive end while above average passing sets up teammates very well.

He possesses a nice slap shot but needs to clean up on accuracy. Johansson’s defensive game is stellar. He has great gap-control and is hard to beat one on one. He is very good at poke check and stealing the puck. He also needs to clean up containing opposing forwards.

All and all the Detroit Red Wings had a very solid second round. The defense is in better shape for years to come.

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The Detroit Red Wings select Moritz Seider in the first round

Embed from Getty Images Exhale Detroit Red Wings fans. It is going to be okay. No really. First year general manager Steve Yzerman walked up and announced the pick. Many fans and media were caught off guard. But Detroit picked a very good hockey player.

German defensemen Moritz Seider, is big, 6′ 4″. Seider is fast, his first few step acceleration are well above average. He does need to add some weight and build his core.

Moritz Seider is good along the boards. He possesses a very good arsenal of point shots. He picks and chooses his shots. being a big player he generates power behind his shots. That power will increase as he puts on weight.

On defense Moritz Seider plays a very physical game, he looks for the big hit on opposing forwards. There are times he gets himself out of position by seeking the big hit. With development Seider should be able to clean that up. It should be noted, that as good as Moritz Seider projects to be, he will need time in the minors to clean up his defensive game some.

Being that, a prospect with things to work on, Moritz Seider has high-end upside. He could be a boom or bust type player. But given the success Steve Yzerman has had in the NHL drafts, I lean towards boom.

For Detroit Red Wings fans, patience is needed. I believe it will yield high dividends in a short time. Seider’s game is a mix close to Columbus Blue Jackets defensive players Seth Jones and Zach Werenski.

In the end, I am happy with this pick. Yzerman went big. Because he rarely misses Detroit Red Wings fans can relax. Relax and exhale.

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One of the Detroit Red Wings top prospects Jared McIsaac to have shoulder surgery

Embed from Getty Images Jared McIsaac  dealt with a shoulder injury through the second half of the season. Finishing his junior career with the Halifax Mooseheads, McIsaac a  left-handed defensemen ended up with 62 points in 53 regular season games and also played for  Canada at the World Junior tournament.

Jared McIsaac, is a defensive player with very good mobility and with top-notch speed and acceleration in both directions. Drafted last year by the Detroit Red Wings, he fit what the Wings are trying to get to on defense. The team is looking to draft excellent two-way defenders.

Despite the shoulder surgery, McIsaac figures to be part of the Detroit Red Wings long-term plans. Steve Yzerman spoke about him during the press conference to announce he was taking over as the organizations general manager.

McIsaac must get stronger, which is why he was back in the juniors. He will be back with the Mooseheads this season as he is not eligible to play in the AHL right now. It is hard to say if more strength would have prevented the injury.

Jared McIsaac has all the upside and skills necessary to be a top-four defenceman at the NHL level. Something that will aid the Detroit rebuild. The young defensive player is expected to make a full recovery. But it will take time.

McIsaac will  be out for five to six months he will be unable to fight for a spot on the Detroit Red Wings blue line this training camp. The Red Wings have requested Jared has his surgery in Detroit so thery and team doctors can monitor him.

The Red Wings need Jared McIsaac. He projects as a top four defensive player.

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The Detroit Red Wings are the “X-factor” in the 2019 NHL draft

Embed from Getty Images They currently sit at #6 in the first round of the NHL draft. Yet, the Detroit Red Wings hold the keys to the entire draft. With five draft picks before the fourth round, Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman can move up or back because unlike the other teams he has the assets to do it.

Last week in a twenty minute media update, Yzerman played coy. It is not like he was going to tip his hand one way or another. Yzerman said he is going to draft talent, not need. Something he did in Tampa Bay which turned out very well for the Lightning.

The top 10 players in this years draft are outstanding unlike the past two NHL drafts.  No matter what he does, Yzerman will make the Red Wings rebuild a little better. There is tremendous talent throughout this years draft. So if he keeps the picks Detroit wins. If he trades the picks Detroit wins.

Steve Yzerman can send a ripple though the league. The top two teams are not trading they’re picks. So the draft truly starts with the third pick. If Yzerman makes a move teams will have to recheck they’re draft boards.

In my opinion, Steve Yzerman understands his team and organization is rebuilding. Unless he gets a massive offer he can not refuse, I do not see the Red Wings moving down.

NHL insiders are all saying that all eyes will by “On Yzerman and Detroit.” Given the NHL draft starts Friday night, and Steve Yzerman and his scouting department are deep in meetings to map out draft strategies he knows what he wants to do in this draft.

Knowing what you would like to do and being able to do them are two different things. Because of 3 second round draft picks, Yzerman is able to do what he wants.

It should be interesting to watch it unfold Friday night in Vancouver, British Columbia. The draft starts at 8:00 pm, fans can tune into NBCSN for complete coverage.