Detroit sends two prospects down to Grand Rapids

The Detroit Red Wings have announced a pair of prospects is being sent back to the AHL for now. Both Taro Hirose and Filip Zadina have been demoted to Grand Rapids.

Hirose has managed seven points (two goals and five assists) in 23 games so far this season. The 23-year-old was never drafted, instead signing a two-year entry-level deal in March of this year with Detroit. He played 10 games last season, recording an impressive seven points. He’s been cold in his last five games getting just one point, an assist against New Jersey on November 23^rd. He’s been averaging just 12:17 seconds of ice-time per game.

Zadina, a highly touted prospect, has recorded two assists in his last two games, but it wasn’t enough to keep him with the big club. Those were his first two points in five games with Detroit this season. Zadina, drafted 6^th overall in 2018, got just 11:29 of ice-time last night against the New York Islanders, his lowest of all five games this season. 

He’s looked much better at the AHL level, getting seven goals and six assists for 13 points in 19 games. There isn’t much point in Detroit attempting to rush his progress. With just 17 points, they sit at the bottom of the NHL and are unlikely to make the post-season in April. Zadina had been called up on November 24^th, and it’s very likely he will see action in the NHL again this season. In fact, it’s likely both Zadina and Hirose will be back with the main club before the season is out.