4 minute read
OUT-STANDING
Simon Edvinsson is a technically skilled, mobile defenseman who is extremely adept at moving the puck. Sebastian Cossa has compiled a 71-16-7 record during three years of junior hockey with the Edmonton Oil Kings.
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Elmer Soderblom has great hands and is an exceptionally skilled stickhandler for a player of his size.
Red Wings prospects made a positive impression during the annual NHL Prospect Tournament.
It’s a tall order to make an impression as a young player and show that you have what it takes to become an NHL regular.
Traverse City’s annual NHL Prospect Tournament provides a platform for pro prospects to get coaches to take notice of their skills as teams prepare for the opening of the regular season with organizational training camps and preseason games.
“It’s a really good way for these young guys, mostly first- and second-year players, to get their feet wet and get a leg up on a training camp,” said Griffins head coach Ben Simon, who was behind the bench as the Red Wings prospects won two of their three games during the Sept. 15-19 event.
Detroit’s team, which consisted of 24 recent draft picks, free agent signees, and tryouts beat
the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2 in the tourney opener before dropping a 5-4 decision to the Dallas Stars. The Wings defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1 to close out the event, which Simon feels has become more of a showcase than a tournament. “You don’t have a lot of preparation and you’re playing three games in four nights, so it can be a bit chaotic,” Simon said. “In the end, you’re looking The future of the Red Wings’ defensive corps rests in young players like Simon Edvinsson for guys who can be consistent. Coaches love players who are consistently dependable and (left) and Seth Barton. accountable and who can learn from their mistakes. “[As young players], they will inevitably make mistakes, but you want to see them learn from their mistakes and move forward. Simon said the tournament, which was preceded by a single practice, offered an
opportunity for the Red Wings’ coaching staff, led by new head coach Derek Lalonde, to size up the talent that could soon help in Detroit.
“With a new head coach in Detroit, they have an opportunity to make an impression on a coach who doesn’t have any preconceived notions,” Simon said. “The Wings want players who can help the team turn the corner and experience success, so it’s a chance for prospects to turn some heads.
“If they can help Detroit, people will take notice.”
A lot of people took notice of a trio of talented young players who couldn’t help but stand out. Topping the list were a pair of first-round picks from the 2021 NHL Entry Draft: 6-foot6 defenseman Simon Edvinsson (6th overall) and 6-foot-6 goaltender Sebastian Cossa (15th overall). Another notable was 6-foot-8 winger Elmer Soderblom (159th overall in 2019), who led Frolunda with 21 goals in his first full season with the Swedish Hockey League club.
“These kids all seem to be really motivated and driven,” Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman said. “There’s definitely room for all of them to move up and move forward. You can never have too many good players and we’re far from having too many good players.”
Yzerman was noncommittal about the chances of any specific player making the Red Wings’ roster on Opening Night, but he saw plenty of potential for good things to come for these rookies to rise to the occasion as they progress in their development.
“Simon [Edvinsson] is 19, one year away from his draft, [but] I think Simon has a good chance,” Yzerman said. “I can’t sit here today and tell you that he’s definitely going to be in the lineup on Opening Night, but we were pleased with a lot of the things we saw during the three games he played in the NHL Prospect Tournament.
“Sebastian [Cossa] played half of two games and, for me, it was very positive. He’s tall, but you can see that he’s filling out physically, which will allow him to take up more space in the net. He just needs time on the ice… that’s most important. It was very encouraging to watch the two outings that he had.”
Soderblom was equally impressive, according to the Griffins’ head coach. “His skating has gotten so much better, just growing into his body,” Simon said. “He’s become a lot stronger. You don’t teach size. There is an acclimation period. The shorter that acclimation can be to get comfortable in North America, the quicker he’s going to have success.”
Other players who took positive steps during the tournament included Seth Barton, Cross Hanas, Donovan Sebrango, Kirill Tyutyayev, and Eemil Viro.
“I think we have some prospects,” Yzerman said. “We’re starting to amass a pool of prospects who will eventually work their way into the lineup. Not all of them will make it, but it’s encouraging to see some of the kids perform and see them getting closer to becoming NHLers.”
All in all, Yzerman said he was encouraged by what he saw during the tournament. “We’re hopeful that all of our young players continue to take a step forward with all the hope that we become a better hockey team,” he said. “I’m cautiously optimistic.”
