Detroit Red Wings Add Top Prospects, Send to AHL Griffins

The Detroit Red Wings have had plenty of talent go through their organization, primarily through the Grand Rapids Griffins, the AHL affiliate of the Red Wings.

However, this past week, there has not been this much talent sent to the Grand Rapids Griffins in one move. Center Marco Kasper, defenseman William Wallinder, and right winger Carter Mazur are all expected to make their pro debuts after signing entry-level contracts.

The Detroit Red Wings sent a talented trio to the AHL.

Kasper, the eighth overall pick in the 2022 NHL draft, signed his entry-level contract (ELC) on July 14, 2022. He proceeded to spend the entire 2022-23 season with Rogle BK in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).

While there, Kasper scored eight goals and assisted on 15 others for a total of 23 points in 52 games, along with 72 penalty minutes and a +7. He is currently seen as the second-line center behind captain Dylan Larkin and the center of the future.

Kasper has to get used to the pro game first, as he is very skilled, but the pro game is far different  from the style played in the SHL.

Joining him in Grand Rapids, and his former teammate in Rogle BK, is defenseman William Wallinder. Wallinder signed his three-year ELC most recently on March 27th. He also played in the SHL this season with Rogle BK, producing seven goals and 19 assists for 26 points in 50 games.

Wallinder was a +3 and had 10 penalty minutes. He is a smooth, all-around defenseman that the Detroit Red Wings can use in many situations. Not too offensively productive, Wallinder is offensive enough to keep the opposition honest.

His defensive skills are second to none, as he has the reach, gap control, and puck awareness to keep things safe in his defensive zone. Wallinder does have a booming shot that he uses in the offensive zone.

Left winger Carter Mazur is the last one to sign and get promoted to Grand Rapids. A feisty winger that is offensively productive, Mazur could be a real asset in the years to come for the Detroit Red Wings offense.

Playing on his off-wing, he can set the tone offensively as he gets his shot off quickly. He looks to be a second-line player who can be effective regardless of how he is used.

Mazur signed his ELC on March 28th  and will report to the Grand Rapids Griffins on an amateur tryout to join his new teammates, Kasper and Wallinder, and start his pro career.

During the 2022-23 season, he played with Harvard University and accumulated 22 goals and 15 assists for 37 points in 40 games. Mazur also had a +19 rating and 37 penalty minutes.

The Detroit Red Wings have a young group in Grand Rapids, and they just got younger and more talented. These three youngsters can set the tone in their own way in the next couple of years when they all just might be in the Detroit Red Wings lineup as full-time NHLers.

All three are skilled in their own way and bring something different to the table. It will be interesting to see how Kasper and Wallinder adapt to the pro game and adjust in ways to get the Red Wings’ attention.