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Red Wings top Maple Leafs, 4-1, in 2022 NHL Prospect Tournament finale
Mitchell Martin, Eemil Viro, Cross Hanas and Riley Piercey score as Detroit finishes with 2-1 tournament record

from Jonathan Mills at DetroitRedWings.com

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. -- The Detroit Red Wings concluded their 2022 NHL Prospect Tournament schedule on a high note.

On Monday, the Red Wings beat the Toronto Maple Leafs, 4-1, in their NHL Prospect Tournament finale at Centre ICE Arena, finishing the five-day competition with a 2-1 record.

Toronto opened the scoring at 4:56 of the first period, but the Red Wings tied the game, 1-1, roughly four minutes later when free-agent invitee Mitchell Martin sprung out of the penalty box and scored on a breakaway.

Detroit took a 2-1 lead with 18 seconds left in the opening frame when defenseman Eemil Viro, who was the Red Wings' 70th overall selection in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, fired a shot from just below the blue line that got past Maple Leafs netminder Luke Cavallin.

"He's a great skater," Detroit prospect coach Ben Simon said about Viro. "I like his competitive nature. He's got a good motor to him, a high battle level and he's not afraid to get his nose dirty in the corners."

At 18:35 of the second period, 2020 second-round pick Cross Hanas, assisted by Elmer Soderblom (159th overall pick in 2019) and Simon Edvinsson (sixth overall in 2021), converted a breakaway bid to put his club ahead, 3-1.

"Cross had a good tournament," Simon said. "He's another kid who has a solid skillset that we're looking forward to, if he ends up in Grand Rapids, working with."

Red Wings free-agent invitee Riley Piercey sealed the victory when he scored an empty-netter with 17 seconds left in the game.

Detroit goaltender prospects Jan Bednar and Sebastian Cossa shared the crease against Toronto. Bednar got the start and finished with six saves, while Cossa stopped all 16 shots he faced.

When reflecting on the NHL Prospect Tournament, Simon said he saw "growth" from the club's rising young talent.

"It's a great opportunity for all these kids who come in with Detroit to learn," Simon said. "Not only our staff at Grand Rapids, but learn what the pro daily routine is."

On Wednesday, the club will host the 2022 Training Camp Golf Classic, presented by Suburban Imports of Farmington Hills, at Traverse City Country Club. Then on Thursday, the 2022-23 Red Wings will hit the ice for the first time for training camp. A full training camp roster and complete schedule will be announced at a later date

I'm a bit late. Sorry folks...

https://youtu.be/nMjmaIhQ5V0

from Nicholas J. Cotsonika of NHL.com

The 2022-23 NHL season starts Oct. 7. With training camps opening soon, NHL.com is taking a look at the three keys, the inside scoop on roster questions, and the projected lineup for each of the 32 teams. Today, the Detroit Red Wings.

Coach: Derek Lalonde (first season)

Last season: 32-40-10, sixth in Atlantic Division; did not qualify for Stanley Cup Playoffs

3 KEYS

1. Jell into a team

The Red Wings have a new coach and several new players, including goalie Ville Husso, defensemen Ben Chiarot and Olli Maatta, and forwards Andrew Copp and David Perron. The good news is they have a clean slate and internal competition for jobs. That should provide a jolt from the start. But they must learn a new system, develop an identity, and determine the forward lines, defense pairings, goalie rotation and special teams. General manager Steve Yzerman said it could take a time to sort out everything and jell into a team.

2. Improve the defense

It was the biggest of many issues last season. Detroit ranked 31st in goals against (310) and 32nd on the penalty kill (73.8 percent). At his introductory press conference July 1, Lalonde said the Red Wings need to improve the risk in their game, stressing details and habits that lead to winning no matter the personnel, such as staying on top of plays. But the personnel should help too. Copp and Perron are strong defensive forwards. Chiarot (6-foot-3, 234 pounds) and Maatta (6-2, 210) each adds size and a defense-first approach.

3. Develop young players

For the Red Wings to return to Stanley Cup contention in the long term, they need their top prospects to turn into difference-makers and other young players to emerge as bona fide NHLers. Defenseman Moritz Seider, the No. 6 pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, won the Calder Trophy as the NHL rookie of the year last season. Forward Lucas Raymond, the No. 4 pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, finished fourth in voting by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. What do they do for an encore? Who else is ready to not only make the roster, but make an impact?

NHL Tonight: Perron interview

08:54 • August 4, 2022

ROSTER RUNDOWN

Making the cut

All eyes will be on forwards Jonatan Berggren (No. 33, 2018 NHL Draft) and Elmer Soderblom (No. 159, 2019), and defensemen Simon Edvinsson (No. 6, 2021 NHL Draft) and Albert Johansson (No. 60, 2019), in training camp. The Red Wings don't want to rush anyone, and they have enough depth that they don't need to. These young players will have to force themselves onto the roster instead of being sent to Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League, the way Raymond did last season.

Most intriguing addition

Edvinsson was a finalist for rookie of the year in the Swedish Hockey League last season and played for Sweden at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship in Edmonton last month. The 19-year-old is about to play his first professional season in North America. Imposing at 6-4, 198 pounds, Edvinsson said his goal is to play for the Red Wings on opening night against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Detroit. Yzerman said he will have an opportunity and if he's ready to play a regular role, that would be great for them.

Biggest potential surprise

Jakub Vrana has played 37 games since the Red Wings acquired the forward in a trade with the Washington Capitals on April 12, 2021, missing the first five months of last season because of shoulder surgery. But he has scored 21 goals in those 37 games, including 13 goals in 26 games last season after his return. His NHL career high is 25 goals, set in 69 games for the Capitals in 2019-20. Could he reach 30 this season? Maybe even 40?

Ready to break through

Filip Zadina has not been the scorer the Red Wings hoped he would be since they selected the forward with the No. 6 pick in the 2018 draft. He scored 10 goals in 74 games last season and has 25 in 160 NHL games. But he doesn't turn 23 until Nov. 27, and signed a three-year, $5.475 million contract Aug. 26. That average annual value of $1.825 million will look like a bargain if he reaches his potential. With a new coach and some new teammates, will he start trending in that direction?

Fantasy sleeper

Copp, C/RW (fantasy average draft position: 171.3) -- He's likely to be the No. 2 center with exposure to two valuable wings in Vrana, Perron and/or Tyler Bertuzzi. Copp can carry over the momentum he had last regular season, when he was better than a point per game (18 in 16 games) for the New York Rangers, as a fantasy sleeper under Lalonde. -- Anna Dua

PROJECTED LINEUP

Tyler Bertuzzi -- Dylan Larkin -- Lucas Raymond

Jakub Vrana -- Andrew Copp -- David Perron

Dominik Kubalik -- Pius Suter -- Filip Zadina

Adam Erne -- Michael Rasmussen -- Oskar Sundqvist

Ben Chiarot -- Moritz Seider

Olli Maatta -- Filip Hronek

Jordan Oesterle -- Gustav Lindstrom

Alex Nedeljkovic

Ville Husso

7 Red Wings prospects to watch at Traverse City tournament

from Ansar Khan of MLive

It was an unusually short summer for Detroit Red Wings prospects who played in the World Junior Championship in Edmonton last month.

Many will be back on the ice this week at the NHL Prospects Tournament in Traverse City.

The five-team event begins Friday at Centre I.C.E. Arena, when the Red Wings face Columbus at 3 p.m. Detroit’s prospects play Dallas on Saturday (6 p.m.) and wrap up the event against Toronto on Monday (11 a.m.). Games will be live-streamed on DetroitRedWings.com and the team’s social platforms (Facebook, YouTube).

Here are seven prospects to watch for the Red Wings:

Sebastian Cossa: The 6-6 goaltender selected 15th overall in 2021 hopes to show the Red Wings he is ready to turn pro and play in Grand Rapids this season. But the Red Wings signed Jussi Olkinuora, 31, the World Championship MVP for gold medal-winning Finland, and return Victor Brattstrom, 25, who appeared in 32 games for the Griffins. At 19, Cossa appears destined for another season in juniors, where he has excelled for WHL Edmonton, helping lead the Oil Kings to a Memorial Cup berth last season. Cossa played only one game at the World Juniors for gold medal-winning Canada, the opener, as Dylan Garand won the final six games.

Simon Edvinsson: This big (6-6), mobile, puck-moving defenseman drafted sixth overall in 2021 could be ready to break into the NHL this season after a strong year with Frolunda in the Swedish League (two goals, 17 assists in 44 games). Detroit’s top four seems set with Ben Chiarot-Moritz Seider and Olli Maatta-Filip Hronek. The decision for the Red Wings might be whether to use the left-shooting Edvinsson on the third pairing or start him in Grand Rapids where he would log a lot of minutes in all situations while getting accustomed to the smaller ice. Edvinsson, 19, led Sweden in ice time (22:27) at the World Juniors.

Cross Hanas: This playmaking right wing aims to show he is ready to turn pro and play in Grand Rapids after taking a big leap with WHL Portland last season (26 goals, 60 assists in 63 games). He had just five goals and 20 points in 33 games between Lincoln (USHL) and Portland in the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season. It doesn’t appear as if Hanas, a second-round pick in 2020 (55th overall), would have much to gain by being sent back to juniors for his overage year.

Albert Johansson: He is a bit under the radar, overshadowed by several other young defensemen and prospects in the organization. But the Red Wings believe Johansson can be a solid NHL defenseman one day. He’ll begin his AHL career in Grand Rapids this season after appearing in 141 games over the past four years with Farjestad BK in Sweden’s men’s league. He’s not big (6-0, 168) but skates well and is a good stickhandler.

Donovan Sebrango: Sebrango’s stock continued to rise at the World Juniors, where the stay-at-home defender, an alternate captain, was second in ice time (19:58) among defensemen for Canada and posted a plus-7 rating in seven games. At 20, he already has extensive AHL experience (96 games) and will start his third year with the Griffins. He could be in the conversation for an NHL job starting in 2023-24.

Elmer Soderblom: One of the more intriguing prospects due to his enormous size (6-8, 249) and offensive skills. He’s a winger who took a big leap last season with Frolunda in the Swedish League (21 goals, 33 points in 52 games) and will play in Grand Rapids this season. He’s not a physical force, he’s a finesse player with terrific hands who’s good around the net. The sixth-round pick in 2019 (159th overall) could end up being a steal.

Eemil Viro: Like Johansson, Viro has extensive experience playing against men, appearing in 134 games over three seasons with TPS Turku in Finland’s top league. He plays bigger than his size (6-0, 171), skates well and moves the puck. He played a top-four role on Finland’s silver medal-winning World Junior team. Selected 70th in the third round in 2020 -- seven spots after Sebrango – Viro will start his North American career in Grand Rapids this season.

This is the last game of a season that all the talking heads are saying is disappointing. Be that as it may, I would prefer to end it on a more positive note. First and foremost, as a group, the 19 always show up and have a great time in spite of circumstances beyond our control. I am so grateful for every single one of you. Whether you're here or elsewhere during a game, I thank you. Also we're all above ground for Heaven's sake. Big positive there.

Next up are, Seider, Raymond, Vrana, Nedeljkovic, Larkin, Bertuzzi, Rasmussen, and I'm putting Staal in there too. Just because. The above mentioned are all players that have really impressed, are fun to watch, and a few of them have surprised us all. Even Gangner will get an honorable mention. Sundqvist and Walman joined the team later, so it could go either way with them. Time will tell. I'm sure I've left a couple of guys out so feel free to add them during the LB.

The moves Yzerman makes this Summer will determine how many of us will join in every LB starting next October. I have to hope he chooses wisely.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention Mickey Redmond, the best in the business, and, the addition of Manon Rheaume. She brings another much need professional perspective to the broadcast crew, and, I really like her. Also Ozzie, Keats, Trevor, Ken, and Murph.

Many thanks to Paul Kukla, for our safe space, and, Bill Houlihan the esteemed founder of A2Y.

The last positive has to be, it's the last Wings game of this season. Enjoy it!

It's a Live Blog.

Greetings, to 19 of the funniest, and most loyal Wingaholics on the planet. The Wings are facing off against Toronto tonight in their barn. Judging by the last few games, I have no idea of what to expect, so, let's just have a good time tonight, no matter the outcome.

It's a Live Blog!

Good day to all. Given the few reasons we have to watch the Wings at all, if you choose to join in, I thank you. If not, it's understandable. We all know the most likely outcome, but, there is always the slim chance of a win.

Who am I kidding?

It's a Live Blog!

Good afternoon to all, and, thanks for your continued patronage. The season is coming to a close with four games to go. Today is Fan Appreciation Day at the Pizzarena, and, the opponent are the Penguins. We all know the best way to show some appreciation is to show up, play hard, and if nothing else, be entertaining.

There's nothing I can add that hasn't already been said before. Ad nauseam........

It's a Live Blog!

I'm as surprised as everyone regarding the Wings win against the Lightning the other night. Shocked and delighted would be a better way to describe it.
Anyway, I'm not expecting another shocker tonight, but, the same effort would be a great way to keep all 19 of us here for the last five games of this season.

It's a a Live Blog!

After a horrible weekend of really horrible hockey, I can only say, it's all bad. To make matters worse, if that's even possible, is losing Dylan Larkin for the rest of the season. So, get ready to lose the last six games.

It's a Live Blog!

After yesterday's fiasco against the Rangers the only thing I will say is, I'd give my right and left legs to all the players that didn't have theirs. Cheer up folks, it's almost over.....

It's a Live Blog!

Good day to you all. I'm sure everyone is pretty pleased with the win the other night. It was a nice change of pace. We all know Alex Nedeljkovic stole that game in Raleigh.To say he was spectacular is an understatement. So thanks Ned, for the huge uplift.

Today we're playing the Rangers who are playoff bound and looking to finish this season strong just as the Wings are hoping to do. All things considered, I'm not going into this game with high hopes. Just the usual expectations, and, wanting some early afternoon entertainment.

It's a Live Blog!

There's not much to say about the Wings at this point in the season. It's definitely not easy for me, or, the rest of the 19 to carry on game after game when we don't get an honest effort from this group on a consistent basis. It's become so predictable. Give us something for crying out loud. At least make these last nine games tolerable to watch.

The Wings do have a few very good players coming up, and, some core guys that seem to really care, but that will only take them so far. Unfortunately for them, what used to be called "the Red Wing way", has now become a culture of losing. Everyone knows the more a team loses, the easier it becomes for the players to accept. Like a bad habit, it's hard to break.

It's a Live Blog!

Good evening everyone. With just ten games left in the season, I'm sure all 19 of us are looking forward to a Summer Vaycay. Soon we won't have to listen to the all to familiar clichés like, compete level, starting on time, we have to play a full sixty minutes, it's a two hundred foot game, or, everyone's very favorite, it's a process.
I will say, the Wings have really made a decent effort in their last three outings. With that in mind, tonight's game against the Senators should be a game we can win.
The countdown begins....

It's a Live Blog!

Good evening to all. It's coming down to the end of this season of Red Wings hockey. Including tonight's game against the Blue Jackets there are 11 games to go. We've had 2 pretty good outings this past week, which makes it so much easier to come on back for more.

The guys looked like they were enjoying themselves for a change, and, so were the fans. Needless to say, win, lose, or draw, we'll be here until the bitter end.

It's a Live Blog!

The Wings are playing in Winnipeg tonight after a much needed win against Boston last night. Nedeljkovic was spectacular facing a season high 50 SOG and stopping 47 to seal the win. The Wings brought it last night, and I'm sure hoping they can carry some of that energy and confidence over the border tonight.

Vrana continues to be so much fun to watch, as do Rasmussen, D-Boss, Seider, and Raymond. Everyone had fun last night including Zadina, who scored on a beautiful set up from Vrana. The guys hung in there right up to, and even after the final buzzer. That's teamwork. Let's hope they will keep er goin...

It's a Live Blog!

We all know that the odds are stacked against the Wings tonight when they take on the Broons. I'm trying not to be a downer here, so let's just say it's hockey. Anything can happen.

It's a Live Blog!

Everyone feel free to send Paul a Birthday wish. My wish for you Paul, is good health and many more birthdays. Thank you, for all you give to us every day.

Most Sincerely,
Kate

Welcome everyone. Once again if you're joining in today, thank you. If you choose not to, it's understandable. I can't expect any of the 19 to even want to watch the Wings. It's gotten to the point of no return. As I watched Larkin sitting on the bench during the game the other night, the look on his face said it all.

There is no joy in Hockeytown...

It's a Live Blog!

Welcome everyone. As you know, the Wings managed to snatch a loss from the jaws of victory the other night. Unfortunately, it's what we've all come to expect, and, there's no reason to drone on about it.

Including tonight's game we'll have fifteen games to go in the next thirty days. I can hardly wait...

It's a Live Blog!

Hey 19. If you're here for tonight's game, thank you. If you choose not to watch, it's understandable. This train wreck of a team has got everyone talking. Everyone but Yzerman. Wings fans deserve way better. Wings fans deserve to hear from him.

April is just around the corner, and, it's a busy schedule. Looking forward, there is plenty of dread ahead....

It's a Live Blog!

Heya everyone. Thanks for stopping by. Yesterday's effort was pretty good for the Wings, even though they lost in OT. I don't know if they can keep up the good work playing a back to back against two of the top teams in the league. Well, we'll find out soon enough.

It's a Live Blog!

Welcome to our nightmare. I know it's a bit early in the day to be using that phrase, but, whatever. The Lightning are in town so don't expect much from the hapless Wings today.

Yes, we do need to continue looking forward, but, for most of us, today is a joyful and painful reminder of how things are now the exact opposite of what we once enjoyed. Good times. Indeed......

It's a Live Blog!

Good evening to all. Tonight the Wings face off against the Islanders. Both teams are coming in hot, with each club posting a win in their previous outings. The Wings with a 6-3 win against the Flyers made it look a lot harder than the score would indicate. Right down to the final buzzer.

Jakub Vrana has been most impressive scoring a total of 5 goals since his return. Mo Seider continues to be one of the most exciting Wings to watch, and Lucas Raymond is showing the confidence that he displayed earlier this season.
We'll be keeping a close watch on the two new additions Sundqvist, and Walman, who made their debut on Tuesday, with Sundqvist scoring his first goal as a Red Wing. Smith and Zadina are out for tonight, so Chase Pearson will make his NHL debut.

This looks to be a tough game as the Wings are playing against a Trotz coached team. The Isles are 6-1-1 in their last eight games, and, have a pretty good PK.

The Wings better be ready, because the Islanders have something to prove, having been on the losing end of the first two matches against the Wings this season.

It's a Live Blog!

Good evening to all, and, thank you for your participation tonight. It's nice to be back at the LCA with a normal starting time. Tonight we face off against the Flyers, and, they just traded their Captain, Claude Giroux, so we'll just have to wait and see how this goes tonight.

As we all know by now, the Wings traded Nick Leddy and Witter to St. Louis for a couple of players. The two new Wings are supposed to be playing tonight. Forward Oskar Sundqvist, (6'3", 208 lbs) and D-man Jake Walman (6'2", 215 lbs) so, a couple of players with size, and are relatively young, which is badly needed on this team.
I believe anything is an upgrade from Leddy, who never seemed like he wanted to be in Detroit. We also got a 2023 second round pick. Also, Stecher to LA, and Namestikov(a fan favorite) to Dallas. Both for future picks.

I will say that Mr. Yzerman was a bit surprised when Helene St. James asked a question regarding Blash that no other reporters have dared to ask. Albeit, she was the first person called upon, but, Yzerman stayed the course as he said the presser was to talk about the new players, but, didn't really say anything to defend Blashill either. So, thanks Helene, for addressing the elephant in the room.

It's a Live Blog!