The Detroit Red Wings and GM Steve Yzerman got their man last night during Day 1 of the 2022 NHL Draft, selecting Austrian forward Marco Kasper with the No. 8 overall selection. Kasper most recently played in the Swedish Hockey League with Rögle BK.
Shortly after the draft pick was announced, Kasper gave his first official interview with media members, stating that he was excited to be the newest member of the Red Wings organization, whom he said has a “great” hockey culture.
“I know they are in a rebuild, but they have really good players,” Kasper said. “It’s a really good franchise.”
“I’m really excited, for sure,” Kasper continued. “There’s great hockey culture there.”
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Kasper happened to play for the same squad in Sweden as 2022 Calder Trophy winner Moritz Seider suited up for, and happened to pick up his 1st SHL point on a Seider goal. He has also played against 2021 Red Wings draft pick in defenseman Simon Edvinsson. He’s glad that they’re now on the same side of things.
“It’s tough to play against him,” Kasper said of Edvinsson. “It’s good that we’re now in the same organization.”
Yzerman explained himself that Kasper has potential to play all three forward positions, though he was drafted primarily for his work as a center. Yzerman also stated that he envisions Kasper eventually fitting into Detroit’s top-6.
The 18 year-old Austrian-born Kasper scored seven goals with four assists playing with Rögle, and also tallied another six goals with seven assists in 12 games played for their junior squad. He’ll likely start his North American professional career with the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins. He said he now plans on continuing his work in order to get to the NHL and start helping the Red Wings win.
“I’m really honored,” he said. “I’m thankful for the opportunity and I’m going to do my best to get to the NHL as soon as possible and help the Detroit Red Wings win.”
