from Ansar Khan of Mlive,

Four players from the Detroit Red Wings’ 2018 draft class are taking part in the World Junior Showcase at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth – centers Joe Veleno, Jonathan Berggren and Otto Kivenmaki and goaltender Jesper Eliasson.

Teams comprised of prospects from the United States, Canada, Sweden and Finland will be competing from Saturday to Aug. 3 as nations evaluate candidates for their World Junior Championship teams.

“I think it’s one of the most competitive under-20 evaluation environments outside of the World Juniors,” Red Wings assistant general manager Ryan Martin said. “It’s always very competitive and highly organized and structured as compared to regular summer hockey. These players, in most cases, are trying out for their respective country’s team. I think that brings out the best in people.

“I know, as being a member of the U.S. evaluation staff for the last several years, this is a big part of our evaluation process. Certainly not the only piece, as we get out and watch these players throughout the fall and then into the winter camp before the tournament, but this is certainly a big piece of that.”

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Dana Wakiji of the Wings' website takes a look at Moritz Seider who recently said this...

"When you have the chance of playing in the O-zone with the puck, why not? Everyone wants to have the puck, I think. That's why you play hockey, to score goals and make nice plays. I think that's part of my game for sure."

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