from Ansar Khan of Mlive,

Shawn Horcoff, the Red Wings’ director of player development, provided an update on many of the organization’s prospects...

Taro Hirose, RW, Grand Rapids (AHL)

He looked good during a 10-game stint in Detroit at the end of last season and earned a roster spot in training camp with his offensive ability and hockey sense, but a slow start showed he needs seasoning in the AHL.

“He’s a guy that is good on the power play, has real good hands, has the ability to make people better around him," Horcoff said. "I think the biggest thing with Taro is going to be strength. I think one thing he’s realizing this year is to be bigger, faster, stronger at the pro level. For him it’s going to be putting the work in at the gym, not just during the season but in the off-season, to make sure he has enough overall strength to keep up with everyone else.”

Gustav Lindstrom, D, Grand Rapids (AHL)

He's adapted well in his first season in North America, so much so that general manager Steve Yzerman indicated Lindstrom will be get a look in Detroit later this season.

“I wasn’t really sure what we were going to get from Gus this year, thought there was going to be some learning pains and take a little bit of time for him, coming over from Europe and not really playing on small ice before," Horcoff said. "To his credit, he adapted quickly. He’s got a good brain, he’s got good sense. It’s just going to be a matter of strength, getting his skating up to speed … the game comes at you faster here with the smaller ice. He needs to continue to develop leg strength and continue working on his skating. He’s got an opportunity to be a solid player for us in the National Hockey League.”

19 more prospects...