Three first-round Detroit Red Wings draft picks played on the same line. Michael Rasmussen, Joe Veleno and Filip Zadina. Serious firepower.
This trio featured Detroit Red Wings players were on the same line last week when the Detroit Red Wings hosted a prospect tournament in Traverse City Mi. As training camp ramps up they will stay together.
Some of Detroit’s brightest young prospects had the opportunity to gain some chemistry last week. That is an excellent way for them to get used to each other while developing a bond that will carry them into their NHL careers.
Michael Rasmussen is only 19 years old. He seems destined for Detroit unless he falls apart or suffers an injury in training camp. Michael is a towering 6′ 5″ center but will start his NHL career on the wing. He is a solid two-way player. He does need to work on faceoffs, but, by and large, he is ready to grace the Little Caesar Arena ice.
Joe Veleno fell into the Detroit Red Wings lap during this past NHL amateur draft. Joe can play center or out on the wing. So he has valuable versatility. He needs to work on his game. He is most likely headed to the juniors for one more season, and it will do nothing but help.
Filip Zadina, I have nothing more to say. At only 18 years old he is all but ready. By keeping the trio together, it will give the coaching staff a better idea of where they stand. Both as individuals and as a line unit.
During the prospect tourney, Veleno, Zadina and Rasmussen were very fluid as well as in synch when they were on the ice. Legendary Detroit Tigers manager Sparky Anderson once said “you can have all the talent in the world. But if you don’t have chemistry, you’re going to fail.”
Detroit Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill seems to be taking that quote from Sparky to heart. While it is not even close to sink or swim for these players, it is essential that they show well and show that they can keep their heads above water during the main camp.
One thing to keep in mind is just because a group or groups of players are together during training camp and preseason games does not mean that is where they will stay. That being said, I believe the Detroit Red Wings are going about this the right way.
The Wings are allowing a trio of young players who performed well together an opportunity to carry that into camp and giving them the chance to succeed is good player development. This is the most exciting training camp the Detroit Red Wings have had in a long time.
It will be fun to see Rasmussen, Zadina, and Veleno grow. Not to mention the rest of Detroit’s young players.