Steve Yzerman acquired the Red Wings' future star centerman in Montreal: It was a fleece

The Detroit Red Wings haven't drafted a true center who can play in all three zones in quite some time. While Dylan Larkin remains the 1C of the team now, we ponder the future and who could fulfill that role in Detroit.

For Steve Yzerman, his 8th overall pick in 2022, Marco Kasper could end up being that guy if he continues to develop nicely in the NHL.

While he doesn't hit the highlight reels like some 1st overall center in the league, he's a gritty two-way forward who has found his calling, center Patrick Kane, and Alex DeBrincat as of late.

He won the Red Wings rookie MVP in 2024-25, scoring 37 points (19-18), and would take his talents to the IIHF World Championships in 2025.

Kasper plays the kind of hockey fans love to see: a passionate player through and through. He isn't afraid to lay the body, plays in the dirty areas, and is capable of logging heavy minutes.

His presence and play style earned him plenty of play time in a league (SHL) that primarily favors veterans over young talent.

Kasper's coaches trusted him to play against veterans every night, and he's continued that trend in North America.

For Kasper, he's set himself apart as a player who doesn't require a player to shelter him against the toughest in the NHL.

He's wielded his tools well against the best of the hockey in the NHL, as his rise to a full-time role in 2024-25 was no mistake. While his rookie season wasn't at all perfect, at this point in time, it's not required to be; it's about building a team.

Kasper joins Jonatan Berggren, Simon Edvinsson, Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider, and Nate Danielson as the building blocks of the future for the team.

Is he the next 1C in Detroit?