Detroit Red Wings defenseman prepared to steal full-time roster spot from veterans
Photo credit: University of Denver Athletics
Red Wings prospect defenseman Antti Tuomisto, who was taken in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, has his sights set on earning himself a roster spot in Detroit for next season.
The very 1st selection made by Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman since returning to town in 2019 was German defenseman Moritz Seider with the 6th overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.
The move has paid off tremendously for the Red Wings; not only did Seider earn the Calder Trophy in 2022 as the NHL's best rookie, but he's become the top blue liner on the Red Wings roster and was recently extended with a 7-year deal.
With his 2nd selection in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Yzerman selected Finnish defenseman Antti Tuomisto with the 35th overall pick; he would go on to play a pair of seasons with the University of Denver before going back overseas for a year with TPS of Finland's SM-liiga.
He's played the last 2 seasons with the Grand Rapids Griffins and is currently suiting up with them in the Calder Cup Playoffs - and he's got his sights trained on challenging for a roster spot in Detroit this fall.
Everything is better at the next level. That really motivates me. It makes me focus on the details even more and pushes me even harder to get to that next level.
As for the Calder Cup Playoffs, that's where his focus is currently.
This is the most important time of the year. Every shift matters. You really have to bear down on defense and work as a five-man unit. Everybody really has to work together to make the game work.
He had 27 points (3G, 24A) in 67 games this year with the Griffins; he can become a restricted free agent on July 1 and will need a new contract from Yzerman.
| POLL | ||
MAI 8 | 87 ANSWERS Detroit Red Wings defenseman prepared to steal full-time roster spot from veterans Will 24 year-old prospect Antti Tuomisto earn a roster spot with the Red Wings for next season? | ||
| Yes, he'll be on the team | 51 | 58.6 % |
| No, he's a career AHL defenseman | 36 | 41.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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