Detroit Red Wings Prospect Spotlight: Seider, Berggren

The Detroit Red Wings may be scuffling a bit in North America but over in Sweden, as has been well noted, they are flourishing. Between Jonatan Berggren, and Moritz Seider, the Red Wings might have something there if they continue to show the same success once they’re in Grand Rapids and/or Detroit.

A story on the SHL’s official site included insights from commentator Björn Oldéen who focused on both Berggren and Seider specifically. When asked about a player that has “caught his eye,” Oldeen responded with Seider (and note it’s a translated):

"I commented on his first two matches and he had not played since March. You immediately felt: “Wow”. It’s easy to forget that he’s still a junior. He plays physically, really, masters all parts of the game and is comfortable with the puck"

The best part was this:

"In terms of points average, he is by far the best scoring junior back. He will very well be able to be a player we talk about in the future: “Do you remember when Seider played in the SHL?”"

Even though Seider has been out after suffering a shoulder injury following a crash into the boards, this is high praise for a “kid” playing in a professional league. It adds credence to the hopes that Seider will be a cornerstone of the rebuild.

Jonatan Berggren is maximizing his time on the ice

When it comes to Berggren, Oldéen explains that Berggren, who is a point-per-game player right now (10-28-38), is making the most of his playing time, which averages 15:30 per game:

"To find a player who has less playing time than Berggren, we have to dive down to Fredrik Forsberg in 35th place in the points league. Berggren does a hell of a lot of good with the playing time he gets."

Berggren’s issues in the past were with with staying healthy, but as written about by The Athletic’s Max Bultman back in November, Berggren’s development and ability to rise more to the high ceiling he has opens up so many possibilities for Detroit. The Red Wings desperately need playmakers and scorers and a healthy Berggren would be a boost to an anemic power play. Watch how he draws the defense to him and then reacts to set up the scoring play:

Talk about a tonic to the Red Wings scoring issues. When he was drafted, it was considered a steal since Berggren was projected by many to go in the first round.

Seeing what he’s doing in the SHL, it’s giving credence to the idea that help is most assuredly on the way next year and hopefully, beyond.

It’s nice to have a little bit of hope after what’s looking like a long season.