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Red Wings of Tomorrow: Jared McIsaac

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Jared McIsaac, Detroit Red Wings

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 defenseman Jared McIsaac

Jared McIsaac

Position: Defenseman

How Acquired: Selected 36th overall, 2018 NHL entry draft

2021-22 Stats: (GP-G-A-P) 70-5-19-24 (with Grand Rapids Griffins)

Contract Status: One year, $750,000 ($70,000 in minors)

Anticipated 2022-23 Team:  Grand Rapid Griffins (American Hockey League)

Prospect Synopsis

What the Detroit Red Wings know for sure about Jared McIsaac is that he can plow through adversity. After enduring two major shoulder injuries, he’s still considered one of the team’s quality prospects.

After playing just 39 games over two seasons, McIsaac played 70 games this season. Call it a “catch-up” season.

“Being healthy is a huge step,” McIsaac said earlier this season. “Continuing with the consistency in my game. It’s not going to be smooth sailing the whole way. That’s something I’ve realized over the past couple years, especially with everything that’s happened. I think just trying to stay focused, not getting too high or too low. Just being consistent in all aspects of my game.”

He projects to be a dependable two-way defenseman, the kind of player coaches always appreciate. McIsaac takes pride in being a full service D man.

“It’s just a part of my game,” McIsaac ” If it’s not the power play, it’s penalty kills. If it’s not penalty kills, then it’s power plays. So, it’s pretty nice to be able to play both ends of the rink and they put a big emphasis on my defensive game. They let me build that game up before a little bit of the special teams. I think my defensive game has come a long way this year. There’s still a little bit of ways to go before that’s all tidied up and whatnot. But I think it’s come a long way as far as that goes. Learning the pro game, too–what works and what doesn’t.”

Estimated Time of Arrival in Detroit

McIsaac’s climb to NHL became more challenging after general manager Steve Yzerman’s spending spree on free agent signing day. It’s difficult to project when McIsaac will get his first shot at the NHL. Detroit’s defense is more formidable than it was last season.

The Red Wings will have nine defensemen with NHL experience in training camp, plus prize rookie Simon Edvinsson. Red Wings draft picks Albert Johansson and Eemil Viro have come over from Europe.

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But McIsaac understands better than most that injuries change rosters in a hurry. He has shown enough to be comfortable that he will get a chance at some point. He’s 22.

“My goal is to get there, but I’m not there yet,” McIsaac said. ” My goal is to keep working on my game, on my craft. One day at a time. It’s been my mindset all year–one game at a time–one day at a time. I like where my game’s been headed throughout the season.”