Detroit Red Wings’ Marco Kasper likely out for season with lower-body injury

Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde announced that rookie forward Marco Kasper will likely be unavailable for the remainder of the season following a lower-body injury.

The 18-year-old Austrian forward, who turns 19 on Saturday, April 8, made his National Hockey League debut in last Sunday’s 5-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Kasper logged one shot and three hits and was 12.5% in the faceoff circle in 14:59 of ice time. He was slated on a line with veteran Andrew Copp and second-year winger Lucas Raymond. He impressed in his NHL debut as coach Lalonde shared his thoughts,

“I thought Marco was great,” coach Lalonde told the media after the game. “Simple game, safe game, good team game, never got himself in trouble. Was around the net. For a first game, under these types of circumstances, he passed with flying colors.”

Kasper was drafted by the Red Wings eighth overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. He spent the majority of his draft year with Rögle BK in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), where he totalled seven goals and 11 points in 46 games. During the Champions Hockey League tournament, he notched six points (two goals, four assists) in 12 games helping Rögle capture the Champions Hockey League championship. This past season, he suited up for Rögle for his second year in the SHL. He tallied eight goals and 15 assists for 23 points and 72 penalty minutes in 52 games. He noticed nine points in 10 games at this year’s Champions HL tournament. 

Unfortunately, the Red Wings and their fans won’t be able to get a good look at Kasper this season. Kasper will compete for a full-time roster spot next season. The Red Wings currently sit seventh in the Atlantic Division with a record of 35-33-9 and have been ruled out of the playoffs. They next play at home Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres.