from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,

...let’s take a look at the some developments from the past few days here in Traverse City, which remains a fine spot to get hockey underway.

Seider-mania

Can defenseman Moritz Seider make the jump from playing hockey in Germany to the NHL?

It’s not likely to happen immediately. But it might not take nearly as long as maybe originally thought.

You see North American 18-year-olds who’ve played against stronger competition than Seider has struggle to simply adjust to the minor pro leagues here, never mind the NHL.

It will be intriguing to watch Seider these next two weeks against NHL competition getting ready for this season.

Seider’s approach to the game, his demeanor, and size and talent, are beyond most 18-year-olds. That should serve him well in the years ahead.

You have to think Seider is best served by playing, at least for a while, in Grand Rapids and getting acclimated to North American pro hockey.

more players and topics...

added 3:04pm, from Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press,