Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings of Tomorrow: Red Savage

Published

2 years ago

June 16, 2022

Red Savage is the son of former NHL forward Brian Savage.

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 feature center Red Savage

Redmond “Red” Savage

Position: Center

How Acquired: Selected 114th overall, 2021 NHL entry draft

2021-22 Stats: 35-6-10-16 (with Miami, NCHC)

Contract Status: Unsigned

Anticipated 2022-23 Team: Miami University (Ohio)

Prospect Synopsis

Like father, like son? When it comes to Brian Savage and his son, Red, it may be the case.

Brian went to Miami University in 1990-91 and scored five goals as a freshman. Thirty-one years later, his son Red went to Miami and produced six goals as a freshman last season. The younger Savage played nine more games than his dad and ended up with four more assists.

The good news for the Red Wings is that the elder Savage went on to have a 674-game NHL career. He ended up generating four 20+ goal seasons for the Montreal Canadiens. His game took off in his sophomore season at Miami. Brian Savage scored 24 goals and then followed that up with 37 as a junior.

Red is a different player than his father. He’s not as big and is probably a better two-way player than his dad was at his age. When you grow up with an NHL dad, you end up with high hockey IQ. Red has an advanced understanding of playing the right way. USA Hockey named him to the U.S. National Junior Team last season. The expectation for the younger Savage is that he will get better each year.

Wolves draft pick Red Savage named to Team USA for IIHF World Junior Championship. NTDP grad, son of Sudbury native Brian Savage has 1G, 6A in 16GP as freshman at Miami U in Ohio. Wolves’ sixth-round pick, 117th overall, in 2019. #ohl https://t.co/tpjRgpxRjs

— Ben Leeson (@ben_leeson) December 14, 2021

Estimated Time of Arrival in Detroit

Based on his father’s timeline and the kind of responsible player Red Savage is, he may or may not come out of school next season. Scouts say he could be a dependable middle six forward with versatility.

“Intelligent, driven, hard-working, sticking his nose in the action, gritty, excellent skater, quick first step, uses his body and quickness to battle, drives the net and knows what to do once he gets there,” Dan Stewart of Draft Prospects Hockey said last season about him.

Stewart said Savage will be a strong two-way competitor “who can play up and down the lineup.”

“He hunts the puck and is highly effective on the forecheck,” Stewart said.

With a player high on their list falling down the board, Montréal traded for the @SICHLRiders' 3rd rd pick and snagged the USNTDP's Gillig… er, Redmond "Red" Savage. A two-way centre with great hockey sense, the Miami University commit will grow his offensive game in the NCAA. pic.twitter.com/YB4SGkAZkU

— SICHL Millionaires 💰 #GoMillsGo (@SICHLMontreal) September 29, 2021

The big question for Red Savage: How much offense will he be able to generate?

The Red Wings will be looking for Savage to take a big step as a sophomore, like his father did. Undoubtedly, there will be a discussion at the end of next season. But the best guess would be that they won’t be looking to rush the younger Savage.

They will be seeking to use his time at college to take advantage the weight room and get stronger. They’ll be patient with him. Depending upon what happens next season, Savage’s arrival in Detroit could be 2023-24 or 2024-25.