So Who Is Detroit Red Wings Prospect Ryan Kuffner?
I haven’t lived in the Red Wings home-ice orbit since the mid-1970s. I miss the core faithful of the Winged Wheel. But hockey exile also has its advantages. Being in the foreign Bruins, Avalanche, Islanders, Devils, Rangers, and Capitals arenas, one learns how other fan-bases perceive the Detroit Red Wings.
Of course, one can’t miss what an incredibly strong, far-flung following that the Detroit Red Wings enjoy. Also, I saw Jimmy Howard, when he played in the college Beanpot Tournament, starting goalie for the U. of Maine Black Bears. Mmm. Promising goalie, I thought (not that anyone cared or asked.)
Last November a Princeton-alumni friend and I saw the Princeton at Quinnipiac College game here in Connecticut. We sat near the Princeton bench and watched Ryan Kuffner up close and personal.
May I offer observations? Kuffner made himself a force each shift. He and Max Veronneau were the key catalysts stirring the Princeton drink. Ryan has a nifty relationship with the puck; it follows him. I like Ryan’s nose for the net.
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He has a competitive motor that runs nonstop in puck battles. While he works hard, he is not dirty. Ryan has an NHL shot, which cannot be taught. He projects as a second or third-line NHL player. He could win a Lady Byng someday, a la Delvecchio or Datsyuk.
Kuffner is gritty enough to enter and work the tough areas of the ice, in the image of our lamented Ted Lindsay. He works down low, battles in the corners, and endures the abuse in front of the net. Kuffner can create offense in the European-style cycle game. He also knows how to use his size, protect the puck, and drive the net, Canadian-style. I like his ice vision. He is an adequate passer.
Ryan fits the Red Wings mold as a responsible as a two-way player. He knows how to find open ice to set himself up for playmakers. He anticipates the unfolding play better than most, a hockey IQ lacking in many recent Wing prospects. I can sense Kuffner using his undrafted status as an “I am going to show you” overachieving effort that appeals to lunch-bucket fans in a town like Detroit.
dark. Next. Ted Lindsay Was Everything I Love about Hockey
For me, the most impressive feature of the Detroit Red Wings 2018-19 season has been Dylan Larkin’s relentlessly manic drive to improve himself to elite status. Why are so few players so driven? I wonder. This desire to excel and eagerness to put in the work is how Kuffner presents.