3 Prospects Standing Out at the 2022 Red Wings Prospect Tournament
The Detroit Red Wings 2022 NHL Prospect Tournament has arrived, and Detroit has plenty of prospects to show off. The Red Wings have a deep, talented prospect pool at forward and defense. With the young stars slowly showing their worth the prospect tournament is a great way for young stars to showcase their skill and for fans to get familiar with the young talent.
The tournament is three games old, and three prospects have stood out. The group that Detroit sent to the tournament look ready for the new season and look quicker than ever. Those prospects that stood out to me may be a year or two away but are certainly making sure management does not forget their names.
Detroit had a stacked roster coming into the 2022-23 season, but these three may be in Detroit sooner than later, especially if they finish the tournament and training camp strong. Their ability to stand out from the rest of the crop takes dedication and motivation. This is who stood out to me so far in the 2022 Red Wings Prospect Tournament.
Three Prospects Standing Out at the 2022 Red Wings Prospect Tournament
Cross Hanas
Winger/ Center Cross Hanas has taken his game to another level. After being drafted by Detroit in the second round (55th overall) of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, Hanas looked like he polished his game and looks confident.
He has been the best player on the ice in this tournament by far. Hanas has been aggressive on the puck, showing he has grown into a 200-foot player and is also good in the corners. As an offensive forward he has been creative in the offensive zone, shown NHL speed, and rocketed one-timers from his off wing on the power play.
Last season, he lit up the scoreboards for the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL. In 63 games, he scored 26 goals and added on 60 assists for 86 points, was a +31, and also had 73 penalty minutes. He will likely turn pro either this season or next.
Riley Piercey
Winger Riley Piercey has an all-around game that Red Wings fans will love. He was invited to developmental camp in July and then invited back to the prospect tournament as an undrafted free agent. Piercey is a skilled forward yet is not afraid to drop the gloves as he did in the second prospects game. A gritty forward with offensive potential, he has good hands in close and can score goals in a variety of ways. He could slot in the bottom six in Detroit, yet be offensively productive.
Last season for the Flint Firebirds of the OHL, Piercey scored 27 goals and assisted on 31 for 58 points in 59 games, along with 73 penalty minutes. He could be a sleeper to make the Red Wings next season.
Oscar Plandowski
Defenseman Oscar Plandowski had not provided much offense so far in this tournament through three games but his speed is something to watch. He can use that speed to get back on defense or join the rush without hesitation. Drafted in the fifth round (155th overall) in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, he has also shown he can quarterback the power play with ease.
His offensive production is somewhat limited but he can provide offense from the backend. Plandowski has elite NHL speed, is an underrated passer, has a heavy shot, and can be aggressive in the defensive zone. A long shot to make the Detroit roster in the next year, but he should be on their radar.
Last season for the Charlottetown Islanders of the QMJHL, he posted four goals and 13 assists for 17 points in 64 games, while posting a +12 and 39 penalty minutes.