Marco Kasper got off to a slow start this season, as did the Grand Rapids Griffins.

The Red Wings’ top pick in the 2022 NHL Draft scored a goal in his third game of the season, then went six weeks before lighting the lamp again. That goal was followed by a seven-game pointless streak.

But he didn’t quit working. And as he adjusted to a new league and a new life in North America, results began to show.

The post Marco Kasper Takes Development Leap in Griffins Streak (+) appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

GRAND RAPIDS — Sometimes, getting noticed isn’t necessarily a good thing.

But defenseman Albert Johansson is making an impression for good reasons.

“Right now he’s getting noticed because of the way he’s moving the pucks away he’s defending,” Grand Rapids. coach Dan Watson says. “Now it’s just becoming that consistent player game in and game out and he’s done a really good job. (He’s) another guy who’s prepared, another guy who’s a pro and does things the right way. And I like where his game’s at.”

The post Johansson Making Good Impression in Grand Rapids (+) appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

GRAND RAPIDS — Detroit Red Wings prospect defenseman Antti Tuomisto’s season got off to a delayed start, but he’s making up for that lost time.

His season went on pause in October after just two games. A shoulder injury sustained in practice put him on the injured list for six weeks, followed by a five-game stint with the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye.

“It had been a long time without playing, so it was nice to get in some games,” he said. “I got a lot of ice time, which was nice.”

The post Tuomisto Rebounding From Early Season Injury (+) appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Six-foot-six Simon Edvinsson did a lot of growing, on and off the ice, in his debut season in North America last year.

The 20-year-old defenseman had five goals in 52 games in Grand Rapids last season and added two more in nine games in Detroit last season.

He made a bid to stick with the Red Wings in training camp, but was sent to Grand Rapids for more seasoning.

The post Edvinsson Works on Consistency in Grand Rapids (+) appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

At the end of last season, retiring as a player was an easy decision for Brian Lashoff.

“I knew my body had gone through a lot the last couple of years, injury-wise,” he said, “and there was a lot of wear and tear from a lot of long seasons and playoff runs.”

Lashoff, a defenseman who spent 14 seasons in Grand Rapids, the last three as captain, decided to listen to his body and retired.

But the player who once was traded by the Red Wings to Tampa Bay but stayed in Grand Rapids will be with the Griffins again this winter — as an assistant coach.

Still, the decision was not an easy one. Lashoff signed with the Red Wings after his junior career ended and, for the most part, never left Grand Rapids. Every minor league team needs the wise veteran leader — someone like the catcher Crash Davis in the movie Bull Durham — who can tutor youngsters about how to be a professional athlete.

Lashoff was that veteran in Grand Rapids.

“Some of my best memories are playing with this team,” he said, “but, day to day, it got harder to play at the level I wanted to.”

When young players talk about playing in Grand Rapids, they always seem to mention Lashoff’s influence.

“I’ve talked to Lash a lot,” Red Wings prospect Jared McIsaac said. “He’s been around a long time, and he’s seen it all. I do not hesitate to ask questions of him and he’s been really good to me.”

Filip Hronek said he learned a lot from Lashoff.  “(He) helped me with my D zone coverage,” Hronek said.

A new role

And so, instead of working to get ready for another season on the ice, Lashoff is preparing for his first season behind the bench.

His job will be to help bolster a defense that was 30th in the American Hockey League in scoring last season. He  will work with Stephane Julien, who joins the Griffins after a long stint as the coach and general manager of Sherbrooke of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

“I think bringing in a guy like Stephane is going to be huge,” Lashoff said. “Not only for the guys in the room. but for me as well. I’m lucky to have a guy like him and (new head coach) Dan Watson to learn from.

“It’s a  fresh start for a lot of the guys in the room,” he added. “Everyone wants to make a good impression on the coaching staff, and I think the coaching staff is no different. I think we have a staff that is ready to tackle this head-on and put this team in a position to get back to our winning ways of the past.”

Lashoff is familiar with those winning ways, having  won two Calder Caps (2013, 2017) in Grand Rapids and playing 132 games over seven seasons in Detroit.

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A smooth transition

As a captain, Lashoff was a leader on and off the ice.

“I’ll be doing a lot of things I did as a player,” Lashoff said. “Teaching is going to be my main job these days, but I want to help these guys develop, even the older guys. They want to get better, too, so you want to give them the best opportunity to get better and win as a team.”

Lashoff’s summer has been spent working with his new teammates in the coaches’ office, learning how to operate the video equipment and the other tasks assistants do, and keeping his focus on what’s ahead.

“I want to do well at this, as opposed to being half-in,” he said. “I wanted to be all-in and help as much as I can.”

That includes a firm declaration that his playing days are over, despite being just 32 years old.

“If we’re going to need me to strap on the boots, we’re going to be in trouble,” he said, chuckling.

The post Lashoff Making Transition From Griffins Player to Coach appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

When top young prospect Simon Edvinsson arrived in the NHL, he made a point to say how much talking to veteran Griffins defenseman Brian Lashoff helped him navigate his first season in North American hockey.

Edvinsson was one of several players helped by Lashoff’s guidance during his 14 seasons with the Griffins. Rosters should have listed Lashoff as a defenseman/mentor. Now he will use that skill in a different way as he begins his job as one of the Griffins’ new assistant coaches under Dan Watson.

“I look forward to helping Dan Watson and the rest of our staff in the continued development of our players while competing at the highest level,” Lashoff said. “Staying in hockey was always a priority of mine. I am motivated by the opportunity to be able to work with these players, to help them make the most of their careers.”

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The Griffins also hired Stephane Julien as an assistant coach. He was coach and general manager of the year in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League after leading the Sherbrooke Phoenix to a Central Division title and QMJHL semifinals.

Horcoff Choices

“We’re excited to bring back Brian and we welcome Stephane to the Griffins organization. Both men bring a wealth of knowledge that we believe will translate to success in their new roles,” Griffins general manager Shawn Horcoff said. “In 14 seasons as a player in Grand Rapids, Brian established himself as a leader on and off the ice. (He) was a respected voice in the locker room and across the league. Stephane infused a winning culture to Sherbrooke of the QMJHL in more than a decade behind the bench. (He) has a proven track record of developing young players, which will be a major asset to the Griffins’ coaching staff.”

Lashoff just retired as a player two months ago. He did play 136 games for the Red Wings in his career. He ranks second on the Griffins’ all-time games played list (628). Lashoff totaled 132 points (32-100—132) and 329 penalty minutes.

Watson was previously the Toledo Walleyes coach. The Griffins hired Dan Watson as head coach on June 14.

The post Griffins Hire Former Red Wings Player as Assistant Coach appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Captain Brian Lashoff is calling it quits following an historic run with the Grand Rapids Griffins. The former Detroit Red Wings defenseman is announcing his retirement following 14 seasons of pro hockey, all which saw him play at least part of each season with the AHL Griffins, Detroit’s top farm club.

After 14 years with us, Brian Lashoff has officially announced his retirement. Happy Retirement Captain Consistent! #GoGRG

Details >> https://t.co/3BRZ0quI5C pic.twitter.com/CfDniNbMTJ

— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) April 12, 2023

Lashoff, 32, will wind up playing more years in Grand Rapids than any pro athlete in the city’s history. Lashoff ranks second on the Griffins’ all-time games played list with 628, behind only Travis Richards’ 655. His games played are the most among active players who have spent their entire AHL career with the same club and rank third in league history among one-team players, trailing only Bill Needham (981, Cleveland Barons 1956-71) and Arnie Kullman (753, Hershey Bears 1948-60).

A two-time Calder Cup champion with the Griffins (2013, 2017), Lashoff has worn the C as club captain for the past three seasons. He served as honorary captain in this year’s AHL All-Star Classic.

Lashoff Spent Entire Pro Career In Red Wings Organization

“Brian epitomizes what an organization wants from its players,” Griffins coach Ben Simon said. “He does things the right way, every day. He gave his best effort every practice, every shift, and every game, leaving it all out there on the ice.

“Off the ice, he set an example in the locker room every day as to what it meant to be a pro. The character and professionalism he brought to the rink every day were unmatched.”

Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Red Wings, Lashoff skated in 136 NHL regular-season games with Detroit between 2012-20. He also appeared in eight Stanley Cup playoff games with the Red Wings.

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“You don’t stay with the same organization for this long by accident; that doesn’t happen by chance,” Simon said. “As an undrafted player, he endeared himself to numerous coaches, teammates, and the fans through his hard-nosed style of play, his infectious work ethic, and impeccable character both on and off the ice.”

Lashoff will be honored prior to the Griffins’ final home game of the AHL regular season on Friday against the Rockford IceHogs at Van Andel Arena, with a 7 p.m. ET puck drop.

The post Griffins Captain Lashoff to Hang up Skates After 14 Pro Seasons appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Brian Lashoff is a player, not a coach. But teammates, especially younger ones, view his advice like it is coaching gospel.

“I’ve talked to Lash a lot,” Detroit Red Wings prospect Jared McIsaac told Detroit Hockey Now’s Nate Brown last season. “He’s been around a long time and he’s seen it all. I definitely do not hesitate to ask questions to him and he’s been really good to me.

The Grand Rapids Griffins showed their respect for Lashoff’s playing ability and leadership by re-signing him for his 14th season with the Griffins. The Griffins also re-signed  Michigan native forward Tyler Spezia (13 goals and 45 points in 76 games last season) and forward Dominik Shine (17-13-30) to two-year deals. Shine is a Detroit native.

The 31-year-old defenseman Lashoff is 76 games shy of breaking Travis Richards’ Griffins’ record of 655 games in a Grand Rapids jersey. Richards played in Grand Rapids from 1996 to 2006.

Lashoff’s  580 regular-season games with Grand Rapids rank fourth in American Hockey League history among one-team players.

Brian Lashoff came to the griffins back in 2009 when I was 4. Its my senior year of highschool next year and I turn 17…Brian just signed a year deal with the wings

— Katie Chicken (@KatieChicken69) May 25, 2022

Even though Lashoff is on an AHL contract, the Red Wings appreciate Lashoff’s value in helping their young prospects learn to be professional players. Most prospects arrive in Detroit with a story or two about Lashoff’s leadership.

Lashoff could be particularly valuable in the upcoming season because four or five Red Wings defensive prospects and two or three forward prospects could be on the Grand Rapids roster this season.

“Starting with our captain Brian Lashoff, he epitomizes what it means to be part of this organization.,” Griffins coach Ben Simon said. “I think he’s been a huge part of building that culture that has been here for so long.”

Lashoff has played 75 Grand Rapids playoff games, ranking second on the team’s all-time list behind Nathan Paetsch’s 78. Lashoff helped Grand Rapids win Calder Cup championships in 2013 and 2017.

In Case You Missed It

Former Red Wings player Valtteri Filppula has a chance to become the 30th member of the Triple Gold Club.

Red Wings center Pius Suter is taking his game to another level in powering the Swiss to success at the World Championships.

Bob Duff takes a look at Suter’s future with the Detroit Red Wings.

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Hockey Now Network

Boston: What’s up with the Boston Bruins’ goaltending for 2022-23?

Colorado: The Colorado Avalanche let the St. Louis Blues back in the series in Game 5.  The Avs squandered a 3-0 lead and the Blues won in overtime.

Florida: Joe Thornton  didn’t say whether he is retiring or not when he met with the media.

New York: The New York Islanders signed prospect center Ruslan Iskhakov to an entry-level contract. He posted 22 points in 25 games in the German League last season.

Philadelphia  The Philadelphia Flyers have interviewed Barry Trotz and John Tortorella for their head coaching job, but a lower-profile candidate could land the job.

Pittsburgh: Hockey Now columnist Dave Molinari says it is time for the NHL to ban hits to the head.

San Jose: Hockey Now lays out who the  San Jose Sharks might draft with the 11th overall pick at the 2022 NHL Draft

Vegas:  A retrospective of the Vegas Golden Knights best moments of 2021-22.

Washington: Feisty forward Tom Wilson thanked Washington Capitals fans for their support after he had successfu ACL surgery.

The post The Daily: Grand Rapids Griffins Re-Sign Valuable Leader Lashoff appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

The Detroit Red Wings brought up Brian Lashoff from their Grand Rapids farm team as a precaution against COVID-19 and Filip Hronek’s lingering injury.

“We anticipate Fil being available,”  Detroit coach Jeff Blashill said, noting it will be a game-time decision tonight against the St. Louis Blues Blues.

The Red Wings still have Marc Staal and Tyler Bertuzzi on the COVID-19 list. That’s another reason why Lashoff received the call.  Also, defenseman Gustav Lindstrom is on the injured list.

“We are on a back-to-back road trip,” Blashill said. “We have enough COVID cases where we’re kind of in enhanced measures and testing multiple times a day on game days and we felt it extremely prudent to make sure we have enough players here that if we happen to get hit while we’re on the road, either with injuries or COVID, that we’ll field a full team. Lash is a veteran defenseman that I know can step into the lineup and do a good job.”

Brian Lashoff is 31 and has played 136 games with the Red Wings dating to 2012-13. He’s a hard-nosed, solid, stay-at-home defenseman.  He’s +7 in 16 games for Grand Rapids this season.

Red Wings Tested

This two-game road trip is critical for the Red Wings because they are coming off an inferior performance against the Predators. They have struggled on the road  (4-7-1) this season and don’t want to come back to Detroit on a three-game losing streak. After playing St. Louis tonight, the Red Wings go to Colorado for a game Friday.

“Every game on the road, it’s important not to allow momentum to get away from you, to allow the home team to gain momentum,” Blashill said. “To do that, you have to start by not giving easy chances. So you got to play great defense and you have to have great puck management. You can’t be careless with the puck, you have to get pucks out of your end. When you get that one opportunity to get the puck out you better get it out.”

The Blues own the NHL’s eighth-best offensive team, averaging 3.28 goals per game.

“You got to get pucks in at their end, you can’t mess around at their blue line and allow rush chances going back the other way because even if they don’t develop into great chances, the crowd is into it and now momentum is going their way.,” Blashill said. “Lastly, you want to play in their end as much as possible. That’s something we got to keep working to do a better job of and making sure we’re valuing that puck like crazy. Play good defense, make sure we’re great with the puck and play in their end.”

The post Detroit Red Wings Call Up Defenseman Brian Lashoff Just in Case appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.