|
Setkov a project who projects well |
|
|
|
|
|
When he shows up at the rink, Malte Setkov stands out in the crowd. After all, it’s difficult not to notice someone who is 6-2 and 165 pounds.
Will Setkov be able to separate himself from the crowd and mold himself into a Detroit Red Wing? That’s the question both he, and the Red Wings, still can’t answer.
Selected 100th overall in the 2017 NHL entry draft, Setkov, 19, the guy with the Russian-sounding name who’s from Denmark and plays professionally in Sweden, was an intriguing selection, but he was also clearly a project, one that remains under construction, although Setkov believes he is progressing steadily.
“I think it was tough like one year ago,” Setkov admitted. “I didn’t really feel comfortable in my body, actually. But I think I’m learning it more and more now. I think I’m pretty mobile on the ice compared to my size.”
Last season, Setkov cracked the lineup of Malmo in the Swedish Elitserien, but just when he seemed ready to take another step forward, illness put him on the shelf.
“Yeah I was sick for one month just before the world juniors,” Setkov explained. “I got some kind of lung inflammation. It was tough and I lost like 20 pounds, so it was very tough for me. It was tough for me to eat.”
Up until that point, he felt like his development was on a steady upward curve.
“I started off very well actually,” Setkov said. “I got some games on the senior team in Malmo. After the world juniors, I kind of got back to it but it was still tough for me. My shape wasn’t that well. I think I got my old shape back maybe around the playoffs, so it was a pretty tough season, actually.”
Prior to his ailment, Setkov did get a sense that things were getting better all the time for him.
“I feel more comfortable with the puck than I did before,” Setkov said. “I love to have the puck on my blade and make plays.”
The Wings are willing to be patient with Setkov, firstly because they aren’t exactly overstocked with quality defensemen, secondly, because they aren’t blessed with an overabundance of size on the back end, and thirdly, because they see so much potential for growth in his game.
“You can see for such a big guy his movement has improved,” Detroit director of player development Shawn Horcoff said. “He skates well. He’s starting to use his reach more and he’s learned the game. He’s got some upside.”
For Setkov, the immediate plan is to garner himself a steady spot with Malmo’s Elitserien team and take it from there.
“The games at the senior level, I learned to play with the big guys,” Setkov said. “I think I got a little more mature in my game, how I play on the ice and in the defensive zone. And I think it’s important for me to keep my creativity in the offensive zone and still make plays and stuff like that.
“I hope to get a spot on the team so I maybe can get around to 10-15 minutes a game. Playing time is very important to me. It’s a very good league, so if I get a spot on the team the chances are very good of me getting a lot better.”
Follow me on Twitter @asktheduffer
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»