Brendan Smith, Gustav Nyquist headline Detroit Red Wings? prospects ready to shine in

[HF Article]

Leaves are falling and temperatures are dropping, which means the much anticipated return of hockey. While there may be no NHL training camps this September, there are already games being played by many NHL prospects. Below is a rundown of some Red Wings prospects to watch during the upcoming season at each level of the game.



Pro

Top Pro Prospect
Brendan Smith, D, Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)

Forget the window, the sliding glass door of opportunity is wide open for Smith in 2012-13. Detroit has lost three of its top-six defensemen over the past two seasons, clearing the way for new, younger blood to be added to the lineup.… read more



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[The Nose]

Interesting to see Ben Marshall as an offensive breakout. I don't know much about him but from what I've seen & heard he doesn't sound that promising.

[cjm502]

Originally Posted by 13 HockeyTown 40

Interesting to see Ben Marshall as an offensive breakout. I don't know much about him but from what I've seen & heard he doesn't sound that promising.

He is very very skilled and has great offensive instincts. With an increased role and more time to adapt to the college game he could be a solid offensive defenseman in the future. A very big plus is that although he is a small offensive guy I do not think he is much of a defensive liability. Also worth mentioning, he has a solid slapper even though he is only 5'9. I think if him as similar to Almqvist.

[The Nose]

Originally Posted by cjm502

He is very very skilled and has great offensive instincts. With an increased role and more time to adapt to the college game he could be a solid offensive defenseman in the future. A very big plus is that although he is a small offensive guy I do not think he is much of a defensive liability. Also worth mentioning, he has a solid slapper even though he is only 5'9. I think if him as similar to Almqvist.

Thanks for the info, I'm a fan of Almqvist so I'll probably be a fan of this kid once I see more of him.

[Adam Schnepp]

cjm502 hit the nail on the head, Marshall has loads of offensive talent and plays a solid defensive game. He is small, but he has really good speed and passes well, so that should help him avoid some bad situations when outsized. It should be fun to watch him develop this year on a Minnesota team ranked no. 1 in the nation in the latest USCHO poll.