Red Wings forward issues message to fans after disappointing season

The disappointment for Red Wings fans everywhere is that their club missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the 9th straight year, which is now officially the longest drought in team history.

Considering that the Red Wings were founded in 1926 and are set to soon celebrate their centennial year, that's a staggering reality.

One bright spot was the play of rookie Marco Kasper, who was re-called to the Red Wings in late October and, after a slow start, eventually found his footing under new head coach Todd McLellan.

Kasper finished with 37 points (19G, 18A) while mostly playing as the 2nd line center flanked by Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane; that line could very well remain intact for next season, considering that DeBrincat is under contract for another 2 years while Kane has expressed an interest in returning.

Kasper posted a special message for Red Wings fans after what was his 1st full year in the NHL:

The Red Wings' change in coaching, which was badly overdue, paid immediate dividends for Kasper. He led all NHL rookies in goals with 17, and was 5th overall in rookie scoring after Christmas with 30 points.

One of the players that is expected to be part of the next major wave of Red Wings greatness, Kasper has proven his worth to the team in short order and should be a staple on the roster for years to come.