DETROIT, MICH — With the Red Wings prospect development camp commencing today, we’re going to have a quick look at each individual attendee, whether he’s a prospect, or a camp invite. Most of the 2015 Draft picks will be in attendance, along with past picks, and some interesting invites to keep your eye on.
Prospects:
Andreas Athanasiou | 110th overall in 2012 – Lightning fast, offensive catalyst. He put up 32 points through 55 games in his AHL rookie season. One of the more exciting players to watch when he’s on the ice. He just seems to have the complete package.
Tyler Bertuzzi | 58th overall in 2013 – Gritty, pest-like player who has true scoring potential. Reminds me a lot of Brendan Gallagher in that he can get in your face, draw a penalty, and then score a goal or two all in one game. He scored 12 points in 17 playoff games for the Griffins, and is sizing up to be a huge part of the Red Wings prospect farm.
Christoffer Ehn | 106th overall in 2014 – Strong two-way forward, renowned for his work in the defensive and neutral zones. Was named J20 SuperElit’s Best Forward for the 2014-2015 season.
Axel Holmstrom | 196th overall in 2014 – Another two-way player who possesses some ‘snarl’ to his game. Works well in puck battles, and has great on-ice vision. He had a breakout in the SHL playoffs 18 points in 15 games, and 20 points in 44 games in the regular season. Will likely see him in North America after the 2015-2016 SHL season wraps up.
Dylan Larkin | 15th overall in 2014 – World-class talent, elite skating abilities, and a player who just makes others better when he’s on the ice. Larkin is the Red Wings top prospect after a historic freshman season with the University of Michigan, putting up 47 points in 35 games. He was a standout for Team USA in the 2015 WJC, and made immediate impact for the Griffins when he decided to go pro.
Anthony Mantha | 19th overall in 2013 – After being dethroned as the Red Wings top prospect, Mantha still had a productive rookie season after sustaining a leg injury that sidelined him for the beginning of the year, including main training camp. Mantha put up 33 points in 62 games after scoring 81 goals in 81 games during his final year in the QMJHL. He’s a great skater, has a big frame, and has all the tools to become a top-six power forward someday.
Adam Marsh | 200th overall in 2015 – A small-bodied sniper coming out of Chicago, Illinois. Marsh is small, but he plays a big game. Add on another 20 lbs, and he could turn out to be a steal for the Red Wings. Keep in mind a lot of scouts saw him going in the 3rd to 5th round range. Detroit got him in the 7th.
Mike McKee | 140th overall in 2012 – A defenseman converted to forward, McKee is a massive guy. Coming in at 6’5″ 249 lbs, there’s no doubt that the size is there.. But can he be productive? He’s had somewhat of a lackluster performance with the Western Michigan Broncos only putting up four points in 55 games.
Hampus Melen | 199th overall in 2013 – After dealing with some health issues, Melen had a productive season Karlskrona boasting 26 points in 15 games. He’s lanky, but crafty with the puck. A playmaker who keeps it simple, and relies on his knowledge of the game to make things happen.
Zach Nastasiuk | 48th overall in 2013 – Nastasiuk is a likable guy who works hard every shift. He had an impressive season with the Owen Sound Attack, 77 points in 64 games while captaining his junior squad. Nastasiuk is now a full-time Griffin, and will some day slate as a solid bottom-six player who can give you effective penalty killing.
Evgeny Svechnikov | 19th overall in 2015 – Remarkably skilled forward coming out of Russia who saw his name slip down in the 2015 NHL Draft. The Svechnikov family is dedicated to hockey, through and through. He’s got a set of magic hands, and a big frame to make room to work with the puck. He has an accurate, and lethal shot. He has the upside of being a future top-six scoring forward.
Chase Pearson | 140th overall in 2015 – Son of former NHLer Scott Pearson, Chase is a “crash and bang” player who won’t think twice to go straight to the net and get to work. Not the greatest skater, and needs help with his habits in both zones. A project player, but could turn out to be a solid bottom-six guy.
Dominic Turgeon | 63rd overall in 2014 – Turgeon is miles away from what his father Pierre was.. Doesn’t put up staggering numbers, but is sought after to be a solid two-way player with true leadership capabilities. He has great hockey sense, and has been playing with the Portland Winterhawks, where he’s been moved back because of older players. He’ll look to make an impact for them next season as he inches closer to his pro career.
Julius Vahatalo | 166th overall in 2014 – Big Finnish centerman who has taken steps in becoming more potent offensively. He put up 13 points in 12 games for Jr. A SM-liiga in TPS U20 last season leading his team to a championship. Needs to work on his skating abilities, but don’t sleep on his shot. The kid has shown he can be a sniper.
Camp Invites:
Jin-Hui Ahn | Korean National Team – 24-year-old right-shooting winger who put up 30 points in 39 games playing in the Asia League. One of two Korean-born players invited to camp this summer.
Michael Babcock | Fargo (USHL) – Yep, that’s former Red Wings head coach’s son. He’s usually a part of these camps. Not a very high-scoring forward, but a leader by example. Committed to Merrimack College.
Nick Betz | Erie Otters (OHL) – Gigantic winger from Clinton Township, Michigan. Not the greatest skater, but he has a good shot and will go to the net and stand his big frame right in front of the net-minder to create scoring opportunities. Put up 54 points in 60 games last year with Erie. An intriguing UFA option for any team.
Bryce Gervais | Minnesota State (WCHA) – Former BCHL Rookie of the Year in 2010-2011. He’s an older guy, but a solid contributor for Minnesota State. Has steadily increased his production every season during his college tenure.
Alex Globke | Lake Superior State (WCHA) – Big-framed center out of Waterford, Michigan. Saw his production dip during his sophomore year with Lake Superior State. Attended camp last year, and didn’t exactly wow me. More of a fringe bottom-six grinder-type player.
Anthony Greco | Ohio State (Big Ten) – Was voted squad’s Most Improved Player by his teammates in 2013-2014. A streaky scoring winger, who received an honorable mention for All-B1G choice in 2014-2015.
Alex Kile | Michigan (Big Ten) – Former linemate of Dylan Larkin, and Troy native. Had a breakout sophomore season with 26 points in 36 games. Should be exciting to see him play with Larkin against NHL prospects.
Adam Lidstrom | Vasteras (Swe-Jr.) – Son of former Red Wing Nicklas Lidstrom. You know, one of the best defensemen of all time. Played his midget hockey in Plymouth with Compuware Bantam until transferring to the Swedish leagues in 2012 for obvious reasons. Put up 14 points in 40 games in the SuperElit league.
Conor McGlynn | Kingston Frontenacs (OHL) – Former USHL Top Prospect, had a career-high 38 points in 67 games in 2014-2015. Another big kid, 6’2″ 205 lbs.
Evan Polei | Red Deer Rebels (WHL) – Was ranked 197th in the 2015 NHL CSS, but went undrafted. Big power forward player with limited production.
Tyson Spink | Colgate (ECAC) – Attended camp last year, small evasive forward who has been productive for Colgate University producing 91 points in 111 games. He’s usually one of the more fun players to watch out of the invites.
Jerome Verrier | Quebec Remparts (QMJHL) – Scoring winger who saw a steep drop in production in 2014-2015. Had back-to-back 70 point seasons before 25 points in 40 games. He still was a big-time producer for Quebec in the playoffs putting up 15 points in 20 games. Could be another promising sleeper signing for the Red Wings.
