Detroit Red Wings Prospect Update: Moritz Seider

Well this was topical–just not the way I initially planned. After a three point game yesterday, which included a two goals, Detroit Red Wings prospect Moritz Seider walked off the ice and was taken to a hospital to check on his shoulder after he crashed into the boards. While every Red Wings fan was holding their breath hoping it wasn’t a significant injury, the one thing those same fans agree upon is Seider was the absolute right choice by general manager Steve Yzerman.

When Yzerman drafted Seider sixth overall in 2019, it sent shockwaves through the arena and the hockey world. Many wondered why the 6’4 defenseman out of Germany would be taken just one slot below the top five. When asked about it later, Yzerman simply said, “Google him, watch him.” Nearly two years later, not only did we watch him then, but we’re watching him grow into potentially a franchise defenseman.

I will save the superlatives and start here from a game last week:

Volumes of articles charting Seider’s work this season have been written so here’s the real question Detroit fans should be asking: Should the Red Wings let Seider finish the season in the SHL before coming over? The season ends in late March which would allow Seider at least a month of time to play in Detroit. But the latest from the Athletic’s Max Bultman doesn’t see Seider returning to Detroit until Rogle

is eliminated, which may take time since they’re the best team in the SHL. Though the blue line would be improved, I’m more of the mind of having him finish out the season in Sweden, let the contract slide again, and get a full three seasons of Seider starting in the 2021-22 campaign. Similar to Dylan Larkin, he’ll be a rookie Detroit will absolutely need in the lineup and won’t have to sit as some do while veterans get the ice time.

Everything now has a different tilt to it after Seider’s injury yesterday, but according to this tweet, it won’t be anything that is too concerning. The prudent move, in regards to his future, would be letting his time in the SHL come to its completion before bringing him back to Detroit.