Marco Kasper is making his way to Detroit. Likely not directly, but the Red Wings' 2022 first-round pick and top forward prospect will be stateside to close out the season after his Swedish Hockey League club Rögle was knocked out of the playoffs last weekend.
Per a translation of Rögle's official website, Kasper is one of the team's four players, along with fellow Red Wings' prospect William Wallinder, who's set to make his pro debut in North America.
Kasper, a 6'1 center, and Wallinder, a 6'3 defenseman, are likely ticketed for Grand Rapids and the AHL. Kasper signed his three-year, entry-level deal with the Red Wings shortly after he was drafted and was on loan with Rögle this season. Wallinder, a second-round pick in 2020, signed his entry-level deal on Monday.
The 18-year-old Kasper had 23 points in 53 games this season with Rögle, the organization he joined in 2020. Per the Rögle website translation, he doesn't know if he'll be joining the Red Wings or the Griffins, but "the goal is to play in the NHL and stay there," he said. "There is a lot of hard work ahead of me, but I will try to do it."
Wallinder, per the Rögle website, will "join the (Red Wings') AHL team Grand Rapids Griffins to complete the season." He had 26 points in 50 games this season and said "it's a dream come true" to make the jump to North America.
"You've longed for this since you started playing hockey. It is a big goal that is coming true," he said.
Listen live to 97.1 The Ticket via:
Audacy App | Online Stream | Smart Speaker
