Detroit City Wire

Head coach Derek Lalonde quickly noticed a change in Marco Kasper as the Detroit Red Wings began their 2024 Training Camp.

“He doesn’t even look like the same athlete as last year at this time in camp,” Lalonde said about Kasper on Sept. 20. “He built some confidence from his growth in (Grand Rapids) last year, and I think that was very valuable for him. He’s got some attitude into camp this year, which is certainly a positive.”

Kasper's confidence stems from his performance last season, where he recorded 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) in 71 regular-season games with the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins. The 20-year-old also had seven points (four goals, three assists) in nine Calder Cup Playoff contests.

“I have a lot more confidence this year,” Kasper said on Sept. 21. “We worked a lot last year in Grand Rapids. That was a big part for us young guys to develop, get a chance to adjust to the pro level over here in North America and just work on our game a lot.”

Lalonde praised Kasper’s talent and high compete level during the Griffins’ postseason run.

“Huge impact on the game, winning a lot of battles, played with energy and jam at a consistent level, which was pretty impressive,” Lalonde said. “American Hockey League playoffs can be very heavy. A lot of older-type players, and he was the one with some jam and making impacts on the game.”

This summer, Kasper represented Team Austria during its Olympic qualifiers. He believes playing those competitive games – along with added muscle from offseason training – will help him be more effective this season.

“I’m always trying to get stronger in the gym,” Kasper said. “Doing some heavy lifting, obviously some conditioning as well. Just trying to become a man, if you want to say it like that, and gain some pounds.”

Kasper often stayed late after daily practices at Traverse City’s Centre ICE Arena.

“It’s just us, all of the players, pushing each other,” Kasper said. “We all want to get better and really strive to be a hard-working team... Just working with the skill guys out there between plays and trying to get better between every practice – it’s our mentality.”

Selected by Detroit with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Kasper aims to prove he belongs in the NHL. His recent performance – an assist and plus-1 rating in 16:40 of ice time during Wednesday’s 4-2 exhibition win over the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center – demonstrated his readiness.

“Comfortable with the puck,” Lalonde said postgame about Kasper’s play against the Blackhawks. “Obviously some opportunity in every situation, and I thought he handled it well.”