Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman went a little off the board again and selected Rogle (SHL) center Marco Kasper, with the 8th overall selection in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Kasper was the 5th ranked EU player by NHL Central Scouting.
According to the Elite Prospects Draft Guide, Kasper is regarded as a player who is “physical and capable along the boards, even in terms of manipulation; he recognizes the angle of defenders coming at him and knows how to beat them and escape them. He passes to the right areas and knows the next logical play in the offensive progression. He goes to the net, hard and often, with purpose: to screen, rebound, and score. He has good first touches: takes them inside when possible and leads to next play.”
A native of Innsbruck, Austria, Kasper has played in the Rogle organization for the past two years. In 2020-2021, Kasper scored eight points in seven games in the J18 Region. In the J20 Nationell, Kasper scored two goals in six games. Kasper also played ten regular season and six playoff games in the SHL when he was only 16-17. Playing for Austria in the WJC-20, Kasper picked up one assist in four games.
During his draft year in 2021-2022, Kasper scored 13 points in 12 regular-season games in the J20 Nationell. He also scored three points in his only playoff game. Kasper played 46 regular-season games for Rogle in the SHL, scoring seven goals and 11 points. In 13 playoff games, Kasper scored three goals and six points. Internationally, Kasper played in the World Championships for Austria. In seven games, he picked up two assists. Kasper also played two games for Austria in the WJC-20 until it was canceled due to the ongoing pandemic. He is expected to be the captain for Austria again when play resumes in August.
Next season, Kasper is expected to play in both the J20 Nationell and SHL for Rogle. His expected arrival time in North America will likely have to wait at least one more year. Kasper should play in the AHL for Grand Rapids in 2023-2024.
