Marco Kasper Looks to Overtake Top-Six Role, Make the Most of a Crucial Contract Year

After returning to the Detroit Red Wings' lineup this past Tuesday, forward Marco Kasper is looking to make the most of what will be a pivotal season for the 22-year-old.

Kasper was a standout in his first NHL season, scoring 19 goals and adding 18 assists for 37 points in 77 games, and he finished the year strong. Last season was expected to be his breakout. 

The Austrian import was slated to play second-line center between Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat, with a major opportunity to succeed. However, it didn't go that way as Kasper slid down the lineup and was nearly out of it at times, finishing with just 19 points in 81 games.

There was a significant caveat, however. Kasper reportedly suffered a severe lower-body injury that affected his play and was a factor in the drop in production. He has already missed time with an injury this season, but he appears to be back and fully healthy, which will matter greatly.

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The eighth overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft is in a contract year and will be looking to secure his next deal, ideally with a significant raise. Establishing himself as a key member of the Red Wings lineup will play a big role in that, and the timing couldn't be better for Detroit. 

The team has the sixth-worst offense in the league at 2.58 goals per game and could use a bounce-back season from Kasper, who many hoped would finally take over a top-six role.

The opportunity may be there. Emmitt Finnie and Michael Brandsegg-Nygård have both started the season well and join established top-six forwards Viktor Arvidsson, Lucas Raymond and DeBrincat. The remaining name, Andrew Copp, has not been off to a great start and has looked more like his usual self, a middle- to bottom-six center. That could give Kasper a chance to make a meaningful jump to second-line center.

If he makes it count and records 40 to 50 points, Kasper could earn a major payday and a new role in Detroit's lineup for the long term.

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