Red Wings sound off on Marco Kasper's NHL debut

The Detroit Red Wings took forward Marco Kasper with the 8th overall selection in the 2022 Draft, and he stepped onto the ice last night at Scotiabank Arena for his first National Hockey League game at just 18 years old. The Austrian native registered a single shot on goal while playing just under 15 minutes, and according to the review from the coaching staff, he looked every bit like he belonged. 

“I thought Marco was great,” head coach Derek Lalonde explained in his postgame remarks. “Simple game, safe game, good team game. Never got himself in trouble, was around the net. I think the underlying numbers for him are going to be very good."

“I think for a first game, under these type of circumstances, he passed with flying colors.”

And you can bet that Kasper himself was excited for his debut as well.

“It felt great, getting the win, it’s awesome,” Kasper said. “It’s a real special night for me. Playing with Copper and (Lucas Raymond) made it easy for me. They helped me a lot out there and it’s really fun.”

One particular stat that didn't exactly look pleasing to the eye was the fact that Kasper won only one out of eight face-off attempts. However, his play away from the puck was strong enough to warrant additional praise from Lalonde.

“I think it’s important to play responsible both sides of the puck and really not let anything happen on the defensive side," Kasper said. "So just trying to play responsible out there and do my best.”

Lalonde continued: “I think that’s his DNA, which is good, and why we’re all so excited about him." 

The Red Wings are back in action against another Original 6 and Atlantic Division rival in the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday night from Bell Centre in downtown Montreal.