2022 NHL Draft Day 1 Recap: Red Wings add frontline depth with Kasper

MONTREAL -- Heading into the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Detroit Red Wings general manager and executive vice president Steve Yzerman stressed he would take the best player available on his draft board, regardless of position.

When making Detroit's selection from the stage at the Bell Centre in Montreal - eighth overall in the first round - that player was Austrian centerman Marco Kasper.
"We really like everything about the way he plays," Yzerman said to the media after Round 1. "He's got good size, a good skater and he's got a good hockey sense."
Kasper is a 6-foot-1, 183-pound center who entered Thursday ranked fifth among European skaters by NHL Central Scouting. He played for Rogle BK of the Swedish Hockey League in 2021-22, tallying 11 points in 46 regular-season games.

The 18-year-old also collected six points and a plus-4 rating in 13 postseason contests, helping Rogle reach the SHL Semifinals.
"He just makes the right play," Yzerman said. "He can make a pass, he's got a good shot and can carry the puck up the ice. He's not flashy. He's very efficient."
After his name came off the board, Kasper struggled to describe how it felt to be selected among the top picks in the Draft.
"It's hard to put into words," Kasper said. "It's just the hard work I've put in with the help of my parents and the help with my past clubs. It's just a special night and I'm just trying to enjoy it."
Kasper is the highest Austrian-born NHL Draft pick since former Red Wings forward Thomas Vanek, who was selected fifth overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2003 NHL Draft.
"The intensity that he plays with, his compete and work ethic is off the charts," Red Wings director of amateur scouting Kris Draper said about Kasper. "A very good skater."

Kasper said the opportunity to join such a historic Original Six franchise is an honor.
"I'm really excited, for sure," Kasper said. "It's a great hockey culture and a great franchise."
Prior to joining Rogle BK, Kasper posted 13 points in 12 games for the club's Jr.-20 team, including a goal and two assists in a playoff game.
According to Kasper, playing in the SHL will help him adjust to the NHL when he eventually laces up his skates in Detroit.
"You have to come every day ready to play," Kasper said about playing against men in the SHL. "I think you have be on a higher level and that helps a ton."

The versatile forward has also shined on the international stage, recording a pair of assists in seven games for Austria at the 2022 IIHF World Championship. He also captained Austria at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship and represented his country at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship.
"I'm proud to represent my country," Kasper said. "It's been a great opportunity to play there and play against some of the best players of the world."
Now, Kasper will look to prove himself as a top-10 prospect. Fortunately, he believes he has what it takes to succeed among the best hockey players in the world.
"I think I'm a really competitive player," Kasper said. "I want to win."
The 2022 NHL Draft concludes Friday with Rounds 2-7, beginning at 11 a.m. The Red Wings have nine picks in the final six rounds, including two in the second round (40th and 52nd overall), one in the third (73rd overall), three in the fourth round (105th, 113th and 129th overall), one selection in the fifth (137th overall) and two in the seventh and final round (201st and 212th overall).

Red Wings release 2022-23 regular-season schedule

Exciting times are ahead in Hockeytown.
On Wednesday, the Red Wings released their 2022-23 regular-season schedule.
Detroit opens its 97th NHL season on Friday, Oct. 14 against the Montreal Canadiens.
Little Caesars Arena will host 16 weekend home games this season, closing the regular-season campaign on Thursday, April 13 at the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Ticket on-sale information for the preseason and regular season - in addition to Theme Night and promotional giveaways - will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can sign up for the Single-Game Ticket Presale List today for the opportunity to purchase tickets before the public by visiting
DetroitRedWings.com/Presale.
View the Red Wings' full 2022-23 regular-season schedule
here
.