Moritz Seider more than deserved a spot on Team Germany's preliminary Olympic roster. The star defenseman is one of the NHL's most notorious ironmen on the ice, where he makes opponents think twice if they plan on getting near him because chances are, he's landing a vicious body check.
It's one reason Seider, and goaltender Philipp Grubauer of the Seattle Kraken, could forge a dynamic duo. Seider's every netminder's best friend, since he's not afraid to get in front of scoring lanes and taking a puck to the body if it means disrupting a sequence.
As for Grubauer, he may be second to Joey Daccord in the Kraken's lineup, but don't underestimate his resume. He's a former Stanley Cup Champion, and he's totaled 166 wins throughout his career. Not a bad number, right?
No, he didn't play well with the Kraken last season, finishing the year with just eight wins, an 0.875 save percentage, and a 3.49 GAA. But then again, the Kraken were one of the NHL's worst teams in 2024-25. So, I'm not putting too much blame on him.
Detroit Red Wings will be well repped in the 2026 Winter Olympics
Moritz Seider will face off with at least teammate Lucas Raymond this coming winter, and chances are, Raymond won't be the last. Still, the Wings will be repped well with two of the most exciting young players and franchise cornerstones at the Games.
But what made Seider such an easy pick for Team Germany's preliminry squad? For one, the guy is a true iron man, having played in all 328 of a possible 328 games. What's even more amazing is that he's held up this streak despite landing 781 career hits. Do the math, and that's well over two body checks per game.
He's one of the most physical, durable players in hockey who, as I mentioned earlier, likes blocking shots almost as much as he enjoys delivering punishing hits. He's gotten in front of 745 potential shots on goal since he debuted in 2021-22, and this has all come with 23:24 of average total ice time.
Moritz Seider's more than just a player who can deliver punishment defensively
Oh yes, every Red Wings fan knows just how dangerous Moritz Seider can be in the offensive zone. And while you know I'd like to see a little more offensive production, let's not let it take away from what he's done.
In 2024-25, Seider posted eight goals and 46 points, and his 38 assists show that he's transforming into a player with one of the best shots from the blue line in the league. Expect those helpers to grow next season when the Olympics loom.
As for his career, Seider's got 29 goals and 180 points. Do the math, and that gives him an amazing 151 assists, further solidifying him as a playmaker at the blue line. So, while Philipp Grubauer will man the net for Germany, Seider's going to make life on him a whole lot easier when the Games begin.
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