Nice preview, and a thanks to the Wings and Word on Woodward. Horcoff reiterates Seider’s readiness for the NHL. They touch a bit on Berggren, Veleno and McIsaac as well.
What I’ve noticed with a lot of readers is that there is a continued thread of hype regarding Veleno but most don’t talk a lot about Berggren. Last year, Berggren turned a lot of heads in the SHL. Veleno continued to be bounced back and forth from wing to center trying to find his place (similar issue in North America). So much has to do with familiarity, but at the center position, don’t be surprised to see Berggren ahead of Veleno on the depth chart. Veleno will likely have to be on the wing a bit more.
There was another nice quote as Horcoff stated that the players are going to tell the organization, by their on ice play, when they’re ready. Yzerman has systematically removed “dead weight” and players that are here are here by his blessing. Each year, I’ll hear people say, “just put them out there to see what you have” (in terms of the NHL). I’m very grateful that isn’t the mindset of Yzerman and co. The NHL is supposed to be the hardest league in the world to get to. Understanding the fight it takes to get there (and to stay there) is an important part of development. Players feeling “entitled” or getting comfortable just taking a roster spot is a disaster for the entire organization.
Nice notes on Cossa who will play in the tournament and Donovan Sebrango. Sebrango, drafted in 2020, grabbed a job in Grand Rapids last year and with a rule change (for players who played in the AHL last year) the left side defenseman can play there again. Very impressive to see how he’s impressed the brass. Kirill Tyutyayev also got some attention as a possible “name to watch”.
The puck drops tomorrow! Once I know the streaming situation I’ll share it with you all. Very exciting stuff! Here’s hoping the Wings can get their third tournament win.
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