from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,

"I've been living the dream ever since," Seider said of his draft night, talking with the media Wednesday during an end-of-season Zoom call. "I've had an opportunity to make a living out of my dream, which not everybody in the world can say. I'm real proud of that. I live in the (United) States now and I've been around an awesome organization with unbelievable teammates and have enjoyed every single minute.

"I was living at home and playing in the German League. Now I'm living in my own apartment, away from home, in a different country and I'm real happy."

The Wings are, too. It likely won't be too long before Seider is being mentioned among the best defensemen in the NHL.

"He is real good," captain Dylan Larkin said, when talking about Seider. "What I loved most about his season is, probably the (offensive) numbers weren't there (from a year ago) but there was never even a look of frustration. And he wasn't always on the power play, but he was never frustrated. He just did his job and did what he had to do to help the team.

"I don't know how many blocks he had (190), but it was a lot and he just does the little things you need to win. He can be one of the best defensive defensemen in the NHL, and good offense as well.

"I'm not sure what his ceiling is, but he's going to be a good player."

more ($)

from Ansar Khan of Mlive,

But for now, after missing the postseason again, some Red Wings will head to the Worlds to experience playing at a high level for their country. Others opted to rest or heal bumps and bruises.

Lucas Raymond (Sweden) and Joe Veleno (Canada) have committed to play in the tournament, which runs from May 12-28 in Tampere, Finland, and Riga, Latvia.

Olli Maatta (Finland) said he is planning to play. Jake Walman might play, too, whether its for the U.S. or Canada since he has dual citizenship.

Dylan Larkin (U.S.), Andrew Copp (U.S.), Moritz Seider (Germany) and Ville Husso (Finland) have opted not to play.

Other Red Wings might join their respective countrys team in the days and weeks ahead.

read on

from Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now,

Were you surprised to hear that Detroit Red Wings center Joe Veleno would be playing for Canada at the upcoming world championship? Well, now you know how he feels.

Yeah, a little bit, Veleno answered honestly when asked is he was caught off guard to get the call to play for his country. I got it pretty late, I think it was the second or third-last game of the season. I got a call asking if I wanted to go.

Obviously theres plenty of good players around the NHL. Theres plenty of great Canadian players that can be eligible to go. I was just really grateful and honored that they thought of me.

I definitely think its a good opportunity for me to go over there.

Its that last bit that probably has everything to do with Veleno being on the team. A bottom-six forward tallying nine goals for a non-playoff team generally doesnt elicit the chance to play for his country.

continued