When Moritz Seider was drafted 6th overall by Detroit in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, all eyes were on the player Steve Yzerman drafted with his first pick after assuming general manager duties with the Red Wings. Three years since being drafted, Seider has put the hockey world on notice, and Yzerman now looks like a genius for drafting a player that was ranked in the middle of the first round.
Here is a detailed look at Moritz Seider, the Red Wings prized defenseman.
Moritz Seider, RD
Age: 21
Draft: 2019 Round 1 #6 Overall by Detroit Red Wings
2022-2023 Contract: $863,333 for two more years then RFA
Career in Germany
Before being drafted by Detroit, Moritz Seider played in several different organizations. At age 11, Seider played in the U16 division for EHC Erfurt. At age 14, he moved to play in the U16 and U19 divisions with Jungadler. At 16, Seider played his first game in the DEL for Adler Mannheim. In 2018-2019, Seider played the entire season in the DEL and won the Rookie of the Year Award. In 29 regular season games, Seider scored two goals, four assists, six points, and had a +2 rating. In 14 playoff games, he chipped in with five assists and had a +6 rating.
Before being drafted, Seider was named captain of Team Germany for the World Junior (D1A) Championships. In five games, he scored one goal, six assists, seven points, and had a +8 rating. Seider was voted the Best Defenseman in the tournament, had the best +/-, Most Points by a Defenseman, Top Player on his team, and won a Gold Medal. This championship victory allowed Germany to move up a division and play at the highest level of the World Junior Championships in 2020.
Yzerman Shocks the Hockey World
Detroit’s new general manager, Steve Yzerman, shocked the hockey world when he drafted Seider 6th overall at the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Going into the draft, many hockey analysts had Seider going in the middle of the first round. Yzerman followed his instincts and drafted the big German defender at pick #6.
Seider was immediately signed and came to North America and played the entire season for Grand Rapids (AHL). Seider made an impact in 49 games, scoring two goals, 20 assists, and 22 points, and he had a -5 rating. At Christmas, the Red Wings allowed Seider to once again represent Germany at the highest level of the IIHF World Junior Championships. Seider didn’t disappoint as he was again named captain, and in seven games, he picked up six assists. At the end of the tournament, Seider was picked as one of the Top 3 Players on his team.
Moving to Sweden During a Pandemic
The 2020-2021 season in North America was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Detroit loaned Seider to Rogle (SHL) to ensure that their prized defenseman continued to develop. Seider made an immediate impact playing 41 regular season games, scoring seven goals, 21 assists, 28 points, and a +14 rating. In 13 playoff games, Seider scored one goal, four assists, five points, and had a +9 rating. Seider also represented Germany at the World Championships, where he played ten games and picked up five assists.
During the season, Seider won numerous awards. He was voted as the Top Junior in the SHL, won SHL Defenseman of the Year, had the most assists and points by a junior in the SHL, won a Silver Medal with Rogle, was named to the World Championship All-Star team, and won the World Championship Best Defenseman Award.
Calder Memorial Trophy Winner
Last season, Seider played the entire season as an NHL regular with Detroit. He impressed so much during his rookie season that he was nominated for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie. Seider played all 82 games for Detroit, scoring seven goals, 43 assists, 50 points, and a -9 rating.
Seider was an almost unanimous choice for the award as he played with the poise of a veteran throughout most of the season.
How Good Can Seider Be?
Seider has the unique ability to be very good in many aspects of his play. He is very good with the puck, has terrific hands for a defenseman, can join the rush, and create offense from almost anywhere inside the blue line. Seider is also a player who can punish the opposition with body checks and a physical nature that is difficult to teach. Moritz Seider is arguably the best defenseman Detroit has drafted since Nicklas Lidstrom. You can’t compare the two players because they played in different generations and played a different styles of hockey. One thing is sure, Detroit has a franchise player in Moritz Seider.
