Paul Kukla Kukla's Korner
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Training Camp Observations
from Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press,
As the Wings wrap up five days in Traverse City and head home to Little Caesars Arena to begin their exhibition season, here are top observations from their time Up North:
Mean duo
New head coach Derek Lalonde has emphasized that nothing should be read into who is playing with whom so far, but reigning NHL rookie of the year Moritz Seider and veteran Ben Chiarot sure have looked like they complement one another well. Chiarot showed in Sunday's scrimmage that he's not going to let up just because his opponents were teammates: He hit Michael Rasmussen into the bench, and then turned around and crushed Filip Zadina.
"That’s a tone setter," Lalonde said.
Seider plays a game that is equal parts skill and physicality, and paired with Chiarot, the two have the potential to be a fearsome duo.
Big Kid
Dominik Kubalik, like Chiarot a newcomer who has looked really good in camp, smiled when asked about 6-foot-8 prospect Elmer Soderblom.
"He’s huge," Kubalik said. "When I saw him the first time, he’s a big kid. And he skates pretty well, he’s got a good shot, good hands. It’s exciting to watch him. I like him so far."