The Detroit Red Wings have an AHL roster brimming with quality young defensive prospects and yet they still have time for Wyatt Newpower.

The Red Wings signed Newpower to a two-way contract for $750,000 with the idea that he can be a stabilizing force on the Grand Rapids Griffins roster. Newpower, 25, is an old-school player who offers size (6-foot-3), hard-nosed play (led the Griffins with 59 penalty minutes this season) and toughness (six fighting majors).

The Minnesota native blocks shots and thinks defense first. Coaches appreciate what he brings to their table. This is a player who played four games with a broken hand this past season before admitting to himself that he needed to go on the injured list.

Former Griffins coach Ben Simon used to call Newpower “an old soul.”

Crowded GR Roster

The Red Wings have Simon Edvinsson, Albert Johansson, Antti Toumisto, Eemil Viro and William Wallinder with the potential to play in Grand Rapids this season. But new Griffins coach Dan Watson will likely carve out playing time for Newpower. He played 59 games last season, The Griffins want to make the playoffs this season after missing the past two seasons. Newpower can help the Griffins win.

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Newpower isn’t one of Detroit’s top prospects, but the Red Wings like who he is as a player and a person. He works his way into the lineup by competing hard and playing a sound all-around game. At some point, you could see the Red Wings giving him a few games in Detroit just to see how he performs.

Prior to turning professional, Newpower captained the University of Connecticut in 2019-20. He completed his collegiate career by winning the Hockey East Best Defensive Defenseman Award, in addition to a spot on the Hockey East Second All-Star Team.

The post Red Wings Re-sign Newpower, Key Player for Griffins appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Red Wings of Tomorrow is assessing every prospect in the Detroit Red Wings system and what they are projecting to be in the future. We’ll be looking at the strengths and weaknesses of their game, as well as what the future holds for them as they advance through the Detroit organization. Today, we look at defenseman Wyatt Newpower

Wyatt Newpower

Position: Defenseman

How Acquired: Free agent signing in 2021

2021-22 Stats: (GP G-A-Pts) 53-3-7-10 (with Grand Rapids Griffins).

Contract Status: Second year of two-year deal; $800,000 AAV ($70,000 in the AHL)

Anticipated 2022-23 Team: Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)

Prospect Synopsis

When Wyatt Newpower broke his hand last season while playing for the Griffins, he played with it for four games before he left the lineup.

“He’s a little bit of an old soul,” Grand Rapids Griffins coach Ben Simon said. “He plays with his heart on his sleeve.”

Simons says simply the Griffins got more than they anticipated from Newpower after the Red Wings signed him as a free agent. He had turned pro the previous season after graduating from college. He played a limited number of games for Cleveland in the AHL.

Get to know Defenseman, Wyatt Newpower (@WNewpower)! #GoGRG

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— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) April 11, 2022

“We didn’t know if he was that sound of a defenseman in Cleveland because the AHL was a little watered down last year, it was a little younger, wasn’t that much depth,” Simon said. “So he blew our expectations away this year. He’s got a little bit of a throwback mentality. He’s a little bit old school. He blocks shots. He’s defensively sound. He’s got some offense to him.”

The Red Wings like his mental toughness and the fact he knows how to use his 6-foot-3 frame. “I’ve got a lot time for Wyatt,” Simon said.

Estimated Time of Arrival in Detroit

As much as Simon appreciates what Newpower offers, the clock is ticking on Newpower’s prospect status. He played all four years at the University of Connecticut. He was 23 when the Red Wings signed him and he will be 25 in December.

Newpower is not a high-end prospect, but Simon has some hope he can play in the NHL. Newpower makes you notice him.

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“He works extremely hard and he’s a great team guy,”  Simon said. “We’re looking forward to having him back next year and seeing what steps he can take this summer to become an NHL player. He’s a big body that can skate pretty well, gets around pretty well. He’s got a bright
future as well.”

Defenseman Wyatt Newpower skated in his first season as a Griffin and logged 10 points (3-7—10) in a career-high 55 games.

https://t.co/RIV6F0BpG3
Season highlights pic.twitter.com/eXi3QFHOVk

— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) July 7, 2022

Simon said Newpower boasts physical tools that you don’t see in today’s game.

“He’s got a little bit of that throwback mentality where coaches really appreciate that,” Simon said. “Coaches and players have a lot of respect for that.”

The post Red Wings of Tomorrow: Wyatt Newpower appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

DETROIT — The first bus has left for Grand Rapids, and Lucas Raymond, Joe Veleno, Jonatan Berggren and Chase Pearson were not on it.

The Detroit Red Wings on Thursday assigned defensemen Jared McIsaac, Wyatt Newpower and Donovan Sebrango, and goaltender Victor Brattstrom to the Grand Rapids Griffins. They returned forwards Turner Elson, Jon Martin, Dominik Shine, Tyler Spezia, Kirill Tyutyayev, Hayden Verbeek and Dennis Yan, to their American Hockey League affiliate.

That simply means coach Jeff Blashill and general manager Steve Yzerman want their top youngsters in camp as long as possible. Riley Barber and Taro Hirose are also still in the Detroit camp. They were in the lineup Thursday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Raymond, Veleno and Berggren are also playing.

At best, the Red Wings would only have room for one or two rookies, depending upon if veteran Bobby Ryan makes the team and whether Michael Rasmussen’s injury will land him on the injured list. Rasmussen’s injury seems short-term, meaning roster room is in short supply unless Yzerman makes a major event.

Lucas Raymond Has Been Impressive

Raymond has been the best of the rookies, showing an offensive flair that the Red Wings could desperately use. It’s almost as if the youngster has a cloak of invisibility in the offensive. You don’t notice him and then he slides into a seam and launches a quick shot toward the goal.

You can come up with several reasons why the Red Wings shouldn’t rush him.  However, his offensive instincts might trump them all. If Raymond is sent to Grand Rapids, then he will likely be called up soon if he plays well.

Blashill has said he would like to have his team settled by Friday. The Red Wings’ opener is Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Blashill could send more to Grand Rapids tomorrow.

The Griffins will hold their first practice in Grand Rapids on Monday at 10:30 a.m. at Griff’s IceHouse at Belknap Park. They play their opener against Rockford Friday, Oct. 15 at Van Andel Arena. Practices are closed to the public but open to registered media.

The post Detroit Red Wings send 11 to Grand Rapids, but top rookies still in camp appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Lucas Raymond, Joe Veleno and Jonatan Berggren can probably feel the clock counting down.

The Detroit Red Wings play the Columbus Blue Jackets home tonight (7 p.m.) for their third of eight preseason games. That means prospects are already running short on days to impress coaches. The Red Wings’ home opener, against the Tampa Bay Lightning, is just 12 days away.

The Jakub Vrana four-month injury absence does create an extra opportunity for the prospects. But veteran Bobby Ryan, on a tryout contract, is also a prime contender to replace Vrana. If he continues to play as impressively as he did against Chicago, he is probably the favorite.  Also, GM Steve Yzerman was aggressive in the offseason and could still make a significant deal to bolster this roster.

Here’s an overview of where Red Wings prospects are at in their quest to make the team for 2021-22:

Defenseman Moritz Seider

You can see he’s going to a dominant performer, although he is going to make some mistakes this season. He plays a confident, strong, two-way style. He will be helped by Nick Leddy playing with him.

Moritz Seider’s roster chances: Slam dunk. We knew he was going to make the team in 2021-22 months and months ago.

Red Wings Forward Jonatan Berggren

The skillful Swedish forward hasn’t played a preseason game because of injuries. He fully participated in practice Friday, but wasn’t cleared for contact.

“I think he’s moving towards being able to take contact here,” Detroit coach Jeff Blashill said. “I talked to (Jonatan Berggren) at the end of practice. He said he felt really good so we’re hoping that he can move into the full practice in a regular jersey and then potentially try to get him into a game or two here. Obviously it’s unfortunate that it started out him not being able to be partaking in camp.  But hopefully we can get them into something.”

Jonatan Berggren was injured in the first game of the NHL Prospects Tournament. Blashill has said the prospects need to earn their roster spot, meaning they need to make an impact in games. Jonatan Berggren’s path to a roster spot is now more challenging.

“A guy in his position’s got to play,” Blashill said. “As we talked about earlier, they got to play great. They got to be way better than other guys to grab spots. It’s hard to do if you’re not able to, if you’re not healthy and that’s nobody’s fault. It’s just reality. But that’s okay. We’ll get a chance to see him hopefully. If we get a chance to in preseason, great. If not, then he then he goes down to GR. And ultimately the guys that go down there and play great end up with opportunities up here.”

Jonatan Berggren’s roster chances: Poor. Injuries have limited his opportunities to show why he was a top 10 scorer in the Swedish Elite League last season.

Center Joe Veleno

Veleno is the most physically ready among the top prospects. Plus, Joe Veleno is the best all-around player among the prospects. He’s more polished defensively than either Berggren or Raymond. Blashill used him on both the power play and penalty kill in his first preseason game. Pius Suter and Robby Fabbri are the only forwards who played more than Veleno against Buffalo.

“(His) physical gain is undeniable.” Blashill said. “(Veleno’s) really made himself a man. He’s turned his body into a pro body, into an NHL body. He’s way bigger and stronger then he was two years ago, so he can hold on to the puck, he can defend down low. I think his defensive habits are really good.”

The other advantage Veleno has over Raymond and Jonatan Berggren is that he’s already played a season in the American League and five games with the Red Wings.

Veleno’s roster chances: Fair. The Red Wings are happy with his progress. If the Red Wings get another significant injury up front, his chances improve significantly.

Right wing Lucas Raymond

Blashill’s decision to use Raymond with Dylan Larkin against the Blue Jackets proves the Red Wings want to give him every opportunity to make a good impression.

We’ve seen the quick release, the goal scorer’s knack and the great anticipation. We’ve also seen he is 19, not as strong as he needs to be. He’s also short on professional experience, crucial to knowing how to handle the rigors of an 82-game season. Wanting him to be ready can’t make it so.

His path to the roster is clear because Blashill has repeated it. Raymond needs to demand a spot with his play. He needs to be noticeable every game. Thus far, he is 1-for-1 in accomplishing that in preseason games.

Even if he doesn’t make it, he would be a candidate for an early call-up if he’s putting up numbers in the American Hockey League. When Tyler Bertuzzi misses his nine games, the Red Wings could bring up Raymond.

Raymond’s roster chances: Intriguing. Throughout training camp, we’ve seen why he’s considered among the NHL’s most coveted prospects. His instincts, knowing where to be at all times, are first rate.  You can see a path for him to make the club. If he plays five or six preseason games and totals seven or eight points, then they may keep him.

Red Wings Center Chase Pearson

Pearson is more than a good guy with a bucket full of quality lettuce. Blashill may joke about Pearson’s nice head of hair. But he likes what Pearson offers on the ice.

However, Pearson doesn’t have a much of path to make the team out of training camp. His best bet is go to Grand Rapids, play as well as he did last season and earn a call-up.

Pearson’s roster chances: Poor. With Mitchell Stephens and Carter Rowney on Detroit’s roster, there isn’t much room for Pearson.

Defensemen Jared McIsaac and Wyatt Newpower

The Red Wings are keeping eight defensemen, but those eight were set after Marc Staal was re-signed in the offseason.  Nick Leddy will play Moritz Seider and Danny Dekeyser should end up with Filip Hronek.  Staal and Jordan Oesterle seem like they would be penciled in for the other two spots.

That leaves Troy Stecher and Gustav Lindstrom waiting for their turn. This defense is much improved over last season’s group.

That leaves no room for McIsaac and Newpower unless there is an injury. McIsaac continues to have poor luck as a prospect: He was diagnosed with a concussion after a brutal hit in the Prospect Tournament. It’s too bad because he has the skill set to be an effective two-way defenseman. But McIsaac and Newpower both could use more AHL experience

McIsaac’s and Newpower’s roster chances: Poor. Cards were stacked against them from the beginning.

The post Which Detroit Red Wings Rookies will Make Roster? appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Newly-signed Detroit Red Wings defenseman Wyatt Newpower was undrafted, unheralded and undeterred by the uphill climb that was required to become an NHL prospect.

“If he doesn’t make it in the NHL, it won’t be because of work ethic and commitment,” his former college coach Mike Cavanaugh said. “He has that in spades.”

The Red Wings signed the 6-foot-4 defenseman earlier this week with the hope that his continued improvement will lead to a place on Detroit’s roster. He’s not ready today. But Cavanaugh, coach at Connecticut since 2013, believes he will get there.

Newpower projects to be a 4,5,6 defenseman

“He has the size and he can skate,” Cavanaugh said. “He’s got enough offensive skill to be a (No.) 4, 5 or 6. He’s probably not going to be a  (No.) 1 or a 2 (defenseman).”Cavanaugh said Newpower can defend and he’s “a tough kid with a physical presence.”

“He has sneaky good offensive skill,” Cavanaugh add. “He’s a great teammate and he’s competitive as hell, just a determined kid.”

Wings prospect compares to Brandon Carlo

Cavanaugh said he often watches the Boston Bruins. “Brandon Carlo. Kevan Miller. (Jeremy) Lauzon are guys playing big minutes,” Cavanaugh said. “Connor Clifton. I watch these guys play and Wyatt is a similar type player. Nothing would surprise me with Wyatt.”

Newpower was in and out of the Connecticut lineup as a sophomore. “The most impressive thing about himwas he came in after his sophomore year and I was half-expecting him to say he was transferring because he wasn’t playing much,” Cavanaugh said. “But what he said was: ‘What do I have to do to play.”

Cavanaugh told him he needed to stay at the school during the summer, work out religiously, with emphasis on skills and decision-making. He did exactly that.

Coach saw Newpower improve dramatically

“He had a fantastic junior season,” Cavanaugh said. “He was captain. In his senior year, he built off that…His senior leadership was second to none for as long as I’ve been here.”

After his college season, he signed with the American League’s Cleveland Monsters. He posted three goals and 10 points in 24 games.

“A lot of guys think they work hard and then there are guys who really work hard.” Cavanaugh said. “I had Brooks Orpik at Boston College. To this day, I don’t think I have seen anyone with a work ethic like his.  I think Wyatt is one of those guys who (works) like that.”

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A sign of how far away the Red Wings are from being a competitive NHL team is exemplified by how wide GM Steve Yzerman is willing to cast his net in search of catching a potential diamond in the rough. 

Looking for system depth for their defense, the Red Wings signed undrafted college free agent Wyatt Newpower to a two-year entry-level contract on Monday. At the NHL level, Newpower’s contract will have an $800,000 cap hit.

Newpower certainly has NHL size. He checks in at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds. He’s also a right-hand shot, a quality always coveted among NHL blueline corps. 

The 23-year-old rearguard played this season with the AHL Cleveland Monsters. That’s the top farm club of the Columbus Blue Jackets. He turned down an offer from the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs to sign with the Monsters. 

UPDATE: The #RedWings today signed defenseman Wyatt Newpower to a two-year entry-level contract.

More » https://t.co/cdDGuGvRkX pic.twitter.com/75j12nWnGC

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) May 31, 2021

After joining the Monsters, Newpower relocated to Cleveland for the summer of 2020. He worked out with veteran NHL forward Nathan Gerbe of the Blue Jackets.

Newpower collected 3-7-10 totals in 24 games, including one power-play goal.

College All-Star

A captain at Connecticut, Newpower proved to be capable of making a contribution at both ends of the rink. A captain at Connecticut, He led all Huskies defensemen with 3-19-22 numbers in 2019-20. Newpower posted a team-best plus-23 rating, which was good for fifth overall in the conference. He tied for the team lead with six multi-point games. Newpower also ranked ninth in the conference in blocked shots, averaging 1.24 per game. 

Newpower was named to the Hockey East Second All-Star Team in 2019-20 as well as winning the 2020 Hockey East ’47 Best Defensive Defenseman Award. 

A late bloomer, Newpower played just 15 games as a sophomore. Instead of pouting, he met with Huskies coach Mike Cavanaugh, asking what he needed to do to improve. Newpower lived in Connecticut full-time the next two years. He dedicated himself to an offseason four-day-a-week regimen of weight training, footwork, speed work and yoga, as well as playing in a summer league.

The scouting report on Newpower is that he is a leader type. He’s viewed as very coachable, a steady defender capable of chipping in on the offensive side of the game.

Wyatt Newpower – D
Detroit #RedWings

UFA Entry-Level signing:
2 years – $800k cap hithttps://t.co/7Et37UAUml pic.twitter.com/fATd79BLWR

— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) June 1, 2021

From Hugo, Minn., Newpower captained White Bear Lake high school as a senior. He led the team in scoring with 20 points in 25 games. In 2015-16, he was a candidate for the Reed Larson Award. The trophy named for the former Red Wings defenseman recognizes Minnesota’s top senior boys’ high school defenseman.

The fact of the matter is that for the most part, signing college free agents isn’t a path to developing future NHL talent. Consider how quickly 2019 free-agent forwards Ryan Kuffner and Taro Hirose became irrelevant in the Red Wings’ plans. Forward David Pope couldn’t even cut it as an AHLer. 

As well, Connecticut isn’t exactly an NCAA powerhouse. The only Huskies alum currently in the NHL is Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson. 

Still, considering the Wings’ situation, Newpower offers enough potential upside that he’s worth a roll of the dice. 

The post Red Wings’ Yzerman Searching For Help, Finds Newpower appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.