Report: Red Wings lay out plans for top pick Zadina

To call up or not call up? GM Ken Holland lays out his plan for his top prospect.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 5 years ago
Report: Red Wings lay out plans for top pick Zadina
Zuma Press

When Czech sniper Filip Zadina fell into the Detroit Red Wings’ lap at 6th overall in this past June’s 2018 NHL Entry Draft, no one was more surprised and happy as Red Wings general manager Ken Holland.

The Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators and Arizona Coyotes all raised eyebrows for passing on Zadina a the draft, which prompted the young Czech winger to proclaim that he’d prove them wrong by “filling their nets with pucks.”

Nearly 40 games into his pro career and the 19 year old Zadina has been good, if not great, for the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins, prompting Red Wings fans to wonder when he’ll get his shot in the NHL. With 11 goals and 23 points in 39 games it’s clear that Zadina has the offensive touch to produce in the NHL, but do the Red Wings, an organization who has traditionally taken its time developing young talent, feel that he’s ready for the big leagues yet?

“Before the end the season, I want Z to play some NHL games,” Holland told MLive earlier today. “I don’t know when, I don’t know how many. As we go into the off-season, I think it’ll be important for him to play some games in the NHL and get a feel for what the next level is all about.”

Here’s the catch, Zadina will NOT play more than nine games this season, as Holland and his management group are hesitant to “burn” the first year of his entry level contract.

“I think he’s had a good year,” Holland said. “He’s had some nights when he’s been very, very good, he’s had some nights when he hasn’t been a big factor and he’s had lots of nights when he’s looked like an American League player. I think that’s part of the process.

"He’s a 19-year-old playing in a league with a lot of guys that are 23 to 29. They’re bigger, stronger and more experienced. It’s going to be a real important year for him in terms of understanding how hard pro hockey is and the importance of hitting the gym in the summer and make adjustments.”

Should the Wings elect to part ways with long timer winger Gustav Nyquist at the trade deadline, you can expect that Zadina will be called upon. Here’s hoping he lights it up and earns a spot with the big club for 2019-20.

Source: TSN