Future Red Wings thrilled to start 2021 NHL Prospect Tournament

TRAVERSE CITY -- After an unfamiliar offseason in 2020, in which the Detroit Red Wings did not travel to Traverse City for Training Camp for the first time in almost a decade, Hockeytown North is back in action this week as future Red Wings ascend on Centre Ice Arena for the 2021 NHL Prospect Tournament.
The 23-man Red Wings prospect roster of recent draft picks, free-agent signees and tryouts will compete Thursday through Monday, Sept. 20 against similar players from the Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, St. Louis Blues and Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Red Wings roster is highlighted by several of the club's most highly touted prospects, including center Joe Veleno, who was Detroit's 30th overall pick in 2018 and made his NHL debut last season on April 27, as well as winger Jonatan Berggren, who was selected three picks after Veleno in 2018 and earned 45 points in 49 games last year on loan for Skelleftea AIK of the Swedish Hockey League.

Red Wings director of player development Shawn Horcoff said both prospects made big strides in their development in early 2020, playing in Sweden while hockey in North America was shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Both of them have taken a huge step," Horcoff said to Red Wings TV's Daniella Bruce last week. "Berggren obviously had a bit of a tough go early in his career, suffering significant injuries that made him miss time, but last year, he really took off. And finishing in the top-five in scoring at his age in the SHL is no small feat. He's excited to come over and he feels very close to making a push for a position on the Detroit Red Wings.
"Joe Veleno (had) a great year. We're really happy he made a decision to go over there (to Europe). He had a fantastic time and I think it really helped not only his physical and on-ice maturity, but also his off-ice maturity. I think it was really a big step forward for Joe. He's really matured a lot over the last couple years."

Another player knocking on the NHL doorstep who will take the ice in Traverse City is 2020 fourth overall pick Lucas Raymond, who is making his North American debut this year after finishing last season ranked second among SHL players aged 19 or younger with 18 points in 34 games for Frolunda HC.
"We're all very excited to have Lucas here," Horcoff said about the 19-year-old forward. "We view him as a player that's going to hopefully play a major part of our future. He's got great hockey sense, good talent, he can score, he can pass. He's a player with a lot of upside.
"When you get those type of players, you can't wait to get your hands on them and get to work. He's a very driven kid. He constantly wants to get better. He's really been a pleasure to work with."

Another player the Red Wings are excited to see in person is 18-year-old goaltender Sebastian Cossa, who Detroit traded up to 15th overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft to select. Cossa is coming off a historic Western Hockey League campaign, where he earned a 17-1-1 record, 1.57 goals-against average, .941 save percentage and four shutouts in 19 games for the Edmonton Oil Kings.
"With Sebastian, there's a lot of physical tools to be excited about," Horcoff said about the 6-foot-6, 210-pound goalie. "He obviously has size, he moves very well. We felt as an organization, an opportunity to trade up and get a goalie like that was something we couldn't pass up. I'm excited to see him in person, get to know him more and see him play live."
One of the biggest fan-favorite prospects who isn't on the NHL Prospect Tournament roster is defenseman Moritz Seider.
After being selected sixth overall by the Red Wings in 2019, Seider has compiled two impressive professional campaigns, first with 22 points in 49 games in 2019-20 with the Red Wings' AHL-affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins, followed by 28 points in 41 games on loan with Rogle BK in Sweden last season.
Horcoff said the Red Wings are thrilled with Seider's development since being drafted and they're excited to see him head straight to Training Camp next week.
"He's been there before. He's two years pro, going into his third year," Horcoff said. "Frankly after Mo's two years of pro, he's proven himself and played at a high level."

While the Red Wings' staff and fans will have to wait until next week to see Seider on the ice in Traverse City, Horcoff is ecstatic to finally see the future of Red Wings hockey in game action throughout the Prospect Tournament.
"It's really exciting, not just to see them in person, but just to be around them," Horcoff said. "The biggest thing with us is building relationships with these guys early. You can't expect these kids to do what you want unless they trust you first. A big part of our job is to take them for dinner, get on the ice with them, do video and really just build a relationship."
The Red Wings begin the Prospect Tournament Thursday night against Dallas at 7 p.m.
Fans can stream all tournament games live on DetroitRedWings.com, and additional channel streaming updates will be provided on Red Wings social media platforms. Every Red Wings game will be called by play-by-play announcer Ken Kal, with commentary from Red Wings TV's Daniella Bruce, Carley Johnston and Art Regner.