McKeen’s Ranks Red Wings’ Prospects No. 1; Edvinsson Hurting?

Red Wings first round pick Simon Edvinsson is listed as day to day with an undisclosed issue and McKeen’s Hockey accented how important that is to the Grand Rapids Griffins in its recent ranking of NHL team prospect pools.

McKeen’s named the Red Wings the No. 1 prospect pool and Edvinsson as Detroit’s top prospect in that pool. Edvinsson is one of six prospects on the Detroit list that may be in the lineup tonight when the Griffins play the Milwaukee Admirals in Game 3 of their American Hockey League Central Division Final playoff series.

Nate Danielson, who made his professional debut in Game 2, is No 2 on McKeen’s list and Marco Kasper is No. 3. Goalie Sebastian Cossa has started all of the Griffins’ playoff games. He’s No. 5. Carter Mazur is No. 7 and William Wallinder is No. 8. Shai Buium is officially assigned to the Griffins, but he is not on their playoff roster.

Edvinsson Day to Day

Edvinsson didn’t play Game 2 and the Griffins fell 5-2 to the Admirals. Watson said after the game that Edvinsson was day to day, and said he wouldn’t know until today whether Edvinsson will be ready for Game 3.

The 6-foot-6 defenseman is the Griffins’ No. 1 defenseman. He plays on the top pairing with Albert Johansson. Both of those Swedish defenseman are expected to play in Detroit next season.

The Admirals are the Nashville Predators’ AHL affiliate. Their top prospect, Jaroslav Askarov, was in goal against Cossa in Game 2.  First round Nashville draft pick Zach L’Heureux has also played well in this postseason.

Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman has been pleased with his prvospects’ development this season, particularly the players in Grand Rapids. While players like Edvinsson, Kasper and Mazur receive most attention, players such as William Wallinder and Antti Tuomisto have made strides. Defenseman Shai Buium also is coming off a strong college season at Denver.

Tuomisto and Wallinder are expected to be in Grand Rapids’ lineup tonight against Milwaukee.