Continuing development, improving overall game at the forefront for Cleveland

DETROIT – Brady Cleveland thought carefully about his future following his freshman season at the University of Wisconsin in 2023-24 before determining that he wanted a change of scenery.  

Now, after transferring to Colorado College, the 19-year-old Detroit Red Wings defenseman prospect said he’s happy with his decision and is excited to continue his development with the Tigers this season.

“Entering the portal, I formerly had a relationship with (Colorado College assistant coach) Peter Mannino so I had some contact with him,” Cleveland said during the Red Wings’ 2024 Development Camp last month. “After talking to him, there’s not really much you can’t like about what they have going on out there. Brand new facilities recently built. Over the last four years since (Mannino) got there, they’ve been on the up climb and I think that’ll continue when I get there.”

Cleveland, who appeared in 17 games at Wisconsin last season, said he believes he can elevate his game through more ice time.

“Just getting out there every game and playing more minutes is what I would like to do,” Cleveland said. “Just helping my team win and being better offensively, I know I can work on that. But also defensively cleaning up some things and being a good first pass, shutdown defenseman.”

Cleveland felt he was more self-aware entering his second Development Camp since being selected by the Red Wings in the second round (No. 47) of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.

“Previously what I learned from Wisconsin is there’s things you need to work on that you don’t know before,” Cleveland said. “Different coaches have different assessments of every player. Just coming back here with that information now, (Development Camp) is a really different experience for me. Obviously I knew some things that I wanted to work on before coming into last year. Now it’s kind of building off what I’ve already been working on and adding some new things.”

The 6-foot-5, 211-pound blueliner said there’s a lot more he wants to accomplish before his sophomore campaign begins this fall.

“I want to work on my upper and lower body strength,” Cleveland said. “During the season, I just want to be the best for my team. I know the type of player I am and what I’m capable of.”