Detroit Red Wings forward Marco Kasper, who recorded a pair of assists in Detroit's 4-2 setback in the team's exhibition finale, is focused on starting the upcoming campaign strong.
The Detroit Red Wings officially wrapped up their preseason schedule with a 4-2 setback against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday evening.
Now, it's less than a week before the real fun begins.
The Red Wings, who will open the regular season on Oct. 2 against the New York Rangers, finished the abbreviated preseason schedule with a 2-1-1 record.
During Saturday's setback, forward Marco Kasper registered a pair of assists. Kasper, who firmly put himself into the conversation for a Calder Trophy candidate thanks to his strong second half of the 2024-25 season, experienced the dreaded sophomore slump in 2025-26.
Looking ahead to the upcoming campaign, Kasper said that he's happy to contribute while also learning a new system.
"Obviously it's good to get some points, but we're looking to get the points as a team, and I think in whatever way I can contribute, it's important for us," Kasper said. "That's my main focus. It's good to get a couple of points, but it's a quick turnaround. During Camp, just two games.
"Gotta be ready; we practiced hard, and we play a little bit of a new system," he continued. "I'm just trying to get adjusted to that and be ready for next week."
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Kasper won a face-off in the third period, feeding the puck to defenseman Ben Chiarot, who scored Detroit's first goal of the evening. He also helped set up Michael Rasmussen's goal later in the frame.
Despite a strong second half in 2024-25, Kasper struggled to consistently produce points last season, finishing with just nine goals and 10 assists across 81 games.
The Red Wings will look to him for increased offensive production this season, especially following Patrick Kane's departure and the need for additional scoring.
During Saturday's contest, he centered Detroit's second line flanked by Viktor Arvidsson and Emmitt Finnie.
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