Grand Rapids lost to Milwaukee on Friday night after the Admirals mounted a third period comeback. The Griffins were up 2 to 1 going into the final frame and the game ended 3-2. However, there was a distinct positive as Filip Zadina netted his 7th goal of the year with a nice backhand shot on a delayed penalty call. That goal extended his current point streak to 6 games. In that time he has had 4 goals and 4 assists. Impressive.
The 6th overall pick of 2018 is enjoying a 16.7% shooting average and has 13 points (7G6A) in 18 games. Last year his shooting percentage was 11.9 and he amassed 16 goals and 19 assists in 59 games. If he plays at this current pace in 59 games, he is on track for 23 goals and 22 assists. If he stays healthy, he could be knocking on the door of 30 in each category. A very good sign for Detroit.
Detroit’s fan base has already shown a fatigue for the current process. The elation that the acquisition of Zadina brought to training camp his first year turned, quickly, to cynical calls for a trade. During this past pre season, as Joe Veleno was having a spectacular rookie tournament and camp, there was a growing number of cynics thinking that Zadina was a bust and Veleno would supplant him quickly. Veleno’s first year in the AHL had a tough beginning, though he now has 3 goals and 5 assists in 19 games. The stabilizing thought this past summer, and still today, is that Veleno and Zadina are two very different types of players. A good team needs both.
More impressive than Zadina’s numbers, however, is the diversity with which he is scoring. He’s scored on a one timer that was impressive, but also some jam plays at the net. Zadina is finding time and space on the ice and diversifying his process. At 19, #11 looks like he’s figured out how to transition to the pro game.
Dylan Larkin’s rapid ascension caused for a momentary lapse in respect for the process. Larkin is a special player. As we see Bertuzzi, Mantha and even newcomer Robby Fabbri putting up points and looking at career years, it is clear that most players will go through a tough transition from junior to pro. More and more, we see a five year mark as one in which the timing, strength, and understanding all come together for these players. I believe Zadina will beat that mark. He could be contributing to Detroit next year as a regular. Possibly sooner depending on trades and how much time some prospects get at the end of this season.
Filip Zadina is looking like the rising star many had hoped he’d be. It would be wise to trust the process for the next crop of players Detroit drafts as well. It is a rare player who is ready post draft to make an impact in the NHL. Moritz Seider (1 goal 10 assists in 19 games) may be another accelerated prospect. His abilities are shocking. Skating, physical play, setting up on the power play, he really does seem to be a step ahead of many defensemen his age. With Veleno finding his way, and Lindstrom coming on as well, there are many reasons to believe that this club will continue to improve internally. The is a wise and hard working hand at the wheel in Detroit. Things will get better.
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