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Frk amongst several prospects turning heads in Traverse City |
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After splitting a pair of games over the weekend at the Traverse City prospects tournament, the early indications are that a Red Wing prospect who very much needs a strong tourney and training camp has gotten off to a strong start.
ESPN's
Corey Pronman penned a quick article on some of the prospects on several teams at the Traverse City event.
Although I cannot quote the entire article, here is a look at what Pronman saw out of Frk on Friday night vs. St. Louis:
Detroit Red Wings: Martin Frk, RW
Pipeline rank: No. 10
Frk went between the ECHL and AHL this past season, as he tried to find his footing as a pro. Talking to Red Wings GM Ken Holland at the tournament, he discussed how 2013-14 was one of adjustment for Frk, and how he needed to try and find a way to make the most of his abilities. He showed off what makes him good this weekend, as he's a skilled playmaker with an elite shot and can win battles even with an average frame. Frk needs to get quicker and make better reads. The former looked improved this weekend, contributing to him being quite effective; the latter remains to be seen, as this tournament wasn't ideal to evaluate that skill for a player his age (20).
Without a doubt, Frk was aided by the fact he was playing with two of Detroit's most NHL ready prospects in
Anthony Mantha and
Tomas Nosek. Nevertheless, Frk did well in Detroit's opening night 6-5 overtime victory to impress those in attendance, such as Pronman.
Frk ended up with 2 assists on the night, although he should have gained a third assist on Joe Hicketts overtime winner based on Pronman's tweet above.
Renowned Red Wing blogger
George Malik also was in attendance and offered this quick analysis of Frk's game on Friday night vs. the Blues:
Frk started out the game trying to score, but he very quickly realized that Mantha has the cannon and that he needed to make plays. Frk was incredibly successful at skating up the ice hard to get into spots where Nosek and Mantha could give-and-go, he ragged the puck down low superbly, and while his tendency to defer when he's got an open lane to the net was frustrating, he made some absolutely gorgeous plays happen by deferring to the right players.
He looks like a completely different player from the skittish rookie he was a year ago, and the "A" looked good on him. It's a testament to having learned from last season and having spent the summer working out in Grand Rapids with the Griffins' trainers.
Four points in two games at a prospect tournament is a far cry from playing with the big boys beginning this weekend at the main training camp. Nevertheless, it is a development Red Wing management and fans will welcome with open arms as many had high hopes for Martin Frk when he was selected in the 2nd round, 49th overall in the 2012 Entry Draft.
This season is undoubtedly an important for Frk to show continuing maturation and development following his bumpy transition to the pro game in his rookie campaign. Although his playing time in Grand Rapids could fluctuate early on depending on what Detroit does with forwards such as
Tomas Jurco and Mantha, expectations are high that Frk can become a solid offensive top-six forward for the Griffins this season...providing the Red Wings with yet another offensive gifted prospect waiting in the wings.
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