Detroit Red Wings rookie Marco Kasper has already earned a promotion

PUBLICATION

Jack Sutherland
November 21, 2024 (5:04 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Detroit Red Wings rookie forward Marco Kasper has earned a promotion thanks to his strong play, and he plans on making the most of it.

While the Detroit Red Wings may have dropped all three of their games during their California road swing, one positive they can look toward is the play of 20-year-old rookie forward Marco Kasper.

Detroit's first-round draft selection in 2022 is getting his first real taste of NHL action (he previously played one NHL game before this season in which he suffered a broken kneecap) and has proven that he can play at the highest level.

Not only did Kasper register his first-career NHL goal on Friday against the Anaheim Ducks, but he sniped home a power-play goal on Monday against the San Jose Sharks.

Thanks to his strong play, Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde promoted him to the second line; he'll be flanked by Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane for tonight's game against the New York Islanders.

For Kasper, scoring goals is fun - but he's prioritizing the overall team's success ahead of his own personal statistics.

I'm just going to try to do my job, work hard, find some open space, and try to do my best and do a good job as a line.

It's fun to score obviously, fun to get some points, but the big thing is winning and we haven't done it the last few games. Our focus is doing the right things and getting back to playing winning hockey.

Not only has Kasper demonstrated an offensive touch, but he can also play with a physical edge as noted by DeBrincat.

I think he's really smart, he's got good hockey IQ, and his speed up the middle is great. I think he's a very fast player and can think and play with the puck at that speed, too.

He battles hard. He's got that grit to him, and he gets pucks back in the corner.

Kasper hopes to help the Red Wings stop the bleeding and end their winless skid in front of the home fans at Little Caesars Arena.