Detroit Red Wings, GM Steve Yzerman has one trait he looks for more than any other when it comes to drafting players. It is not elite projections, nor is it purely goal scoring ability. Yzerman looks at “compete level,” almost exclusively. How does a player compete away from the puck or with the puck on his stick? Is he battling in the corners or does he shy away? One look at Marco Kasper, shows why the Red Wings made him the #8 overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft.
Marco Kasper was and is viewed as the prospect in this years draft with the highest compete level. Keep that in mind. What Kasper lacks in elite hockey traits he more than makes up for competing game in and game out. Again, this is what Yzerman looks for.
Kasper can and has played all three forward spots on the ice. He is not flashy, but he does not need to be. The Red Wings have Dylan Larkin and Joe Veleno if they need some flash. So just what kind of prospect do the Red Wings have in Kasper? Let’s dive in.
Marco Kasper is a very good skater with very good speed and acceleration. Kasper has good strength and is hard to move off the puck. While he is not flashy when driving the puck up the ice, Kasper is very effective driving the puck in front of the net. He sets his teammates up for success the way he is able to get them the puck.
Do not sleep on Kasper’s defensive game! He is a smart and responsible player, who handles the puck very well. He is not shy when it comes to battling for the puck in the corner or checking another player.
Marco Kasper, has the tools to be a top six forward. The question is can he reach that projection? If he does great. If he does not the Red Wings will have a very good center on the third line. Something they have needed for a while now.
This is a Steve Yzerman draft pick through and through. Marco Kasper is just what the Detroit Red Wings need. I give the draft pick a solid B. If Kasper reaches his top six potential the grade moves to an A.
Drop a comment and let me know your thoughts on Marco Kasper.
