Detroit Red Wings emerge with a Calder Trophy candidate
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Has Detroit Red Wings forward Marco Kasper done enough to warrant consideration for the Calder Trophy as the National Hockey League's top rookie?
The Detroit Red Wings re-called forward Marco Kasper from the Grand Rapids Griffins under emergency conditions in late October, and he's remained a regular in the lineup ever since.
While he got off to a slower start statistically, his production has improved since the Red Wings made a much-needed coaching change from Derek Lalonde to Todd McLellan in late December.
McLellan has regularly deployed Kasper on a line alongside Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat, and he's responded by showing signs of being a full-fledged NHL forward. In fact, he's 1st overall among all rookies in goals with 13 since January 1.
But has he done enough to warrant consideration for the Calder Trophy as the NHL's best rookie?
Per Devin Little of The Hockey Writers, Kasper likely hasn't done enough to realistically win the award - but that he'll almost certainly garner consideration.
Though he may not win the award, Kasper has done enough this season for Red Wing fans to be very excited about his future. A 25-goal campaign in 2025-26 is on the table as well as a permanent role as the team's second line center. He is not the only Red Wings rookie to impress this season, but he has established himself as the most important of the bunch. As Detroit continues to add youth and skill to their forward group, the front office and the coaching staff will rest easy knowing that they have a young forward that can play anywhere in the lineup and move play in the right direction.
Since being re-called to the Red Wings on October 18, Kasper has 30 points (15G, 15A) in 68 total games played.
| POLL | ||
MARS 31 | 130 ANSWERS Detroit Red Wings emerge with a Calder Trophy candidate Has Marco Kasper earned a full-time roster spot with the Red Wings? | ||
| Yes | 127 | 97.7 % |
| No | 3 | 2.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
