Red Wings prospects forming close bonds through Day 3 of Development Camp

DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings prospects laced up their skates for Day 3 of Development Camp on Tuesday at the BELFOR Training Center inside Little Caesars Arena, taking the ice for man-to-man and more physical drills.

As players continue group sessions, Red Wings forward prospect Dylan James said he's learning what it takes to become a good pro.
"We've had so many presentations about how to eat healthy," said James, who was Detroit's 40th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. "On the ice, the skating coach is teaching me stuff I didn't know coming in here. All good stuff."

James, who notched 61 points (28-33-61) in 62 games last season with the USHL's Sioux City Musketeers, is also enjoying his off-ice experiences.
"I'm rooming with (2022 eighth overall pick) Marco (Kasper), so he has a little bit of a language barrier and whatnot, but it's fun," James said. "It's fun hanging out with him. Everyone here is a good person. I really like that."
Forward Cross Hanas, Detroit's 55th overall pick in 2020, is having fun interacting with fellow Red Wings prospects.
"For me and the other guys who got drafted in 2020, we haven't gotten it (camp) in two years now," Hanas said. "This is our first one. It's been really cool meeting them."

Hanas, who signed a three-year entry level contract with Detroit on March 16 after leading the WHL's Portland Winterhawks in 2021-22 with 86 points in 63 games, is confident his game will translate to the pro level.
"Just working hard every single day and learning how to become a pro are big things for me," Hanas said. "Everybody kind of learns that. We're still young kids, but I come from a great organization where they stress that stuff a lot and teach us that there, so I think I have what it takes to get to the next level now."
Red Wings defenseman prospect William Wallinder, even after his initial flights to North America were cancelled, is also making the most of his time at camp.
"It's fun to meet all the guys," said Wallinder, Detroit's 32nd overall pick in 2020. "Maybe we're teammates in the future, so it's good to get to know them."

Wallinder led all U20 SHL defensemen last season with 19 points in 47 games with Rogle BK, earning the league's top U20 player award. According to Wallinder, he found his footing in 2021-22.
"I'm really comfortable," Wallinder said. "This last season felt like everything was coming to place and all my defensive issues from the past just…everything is good now."

Red Wings prospects weren't the only ones taking part in workouts on Tuesday.
In addition to the goalie prospects, current Red Wings netminder Alex Nedeljkovic worked exclusively with Detroit's player development staff, as the 26-year-old continues recovering from a lower-body injury. Nedeljkovic planned to represent the United States at the 2022 IIHF World Championship in Finland but was forced to miss the tournament because of his injury.

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Red Wings forward prospect Robert Mastrosimone on his approach this week
"This camp, I came in as one of the older guys. I'm trying to be a leader to the younger guys and the guys who were just drafted. Just really show them the way, bring them through this camp and make them feel comfortable."

Detroit blue line prospect Shai Buium on his early impressions at camp
"I'm learning a lot. It's really an educational camp. I've really enjoyed it and there's a lot of great guys here I've been bonding with, so it's been really good."

James on what sets him apart from other NHL prospects
"I'd say my skating. Just pressure on the d-man, I think that's pretty hard to come by. Being reliable in the d-zone in any situation is pretty valuable too."
Hanas on how he feels being part of the Red Wings organization
"It's actually insane. Just the history of this team and being an Original Six team, is absurd to even think apart. And being part of it is so cool."
Wallinder on what he knows about Hockeytown
"I know about all the Swedish guys who have been here. That's kind of sick to be here as a Swedish guy."