The Daily: Bah Humbug! No Kasper at WJC; Pastrnak Zings Krejci

In case you have forgotten, Detroit Red Wings fans are receiving coal in their stockings this Christmas for the World Junior Championships. Detroit premium prospect Marco Kasper could be playing but he won’t be.

The Austrian Hockey Federation seems to be playing the role of Scrooge.

Last month, the Austrians announced Kasper won’t be at the WJC because they want him to concentrate on the senior World Championships. Why not play both?

The Red Wings have to be disappointed not to be able to watch 18-year-old Kasper competing against the world’s best players in his age group. Kasper is having a strong season, with five goals and 14 points in 26 games, for Rogle in the Swedish Hockey League.

What you hear often about Kasper is how hard he works. GM Steve Yzerman may have landed another gem.

But Detroit fans will be deprived of seeing him. The only draftee they will see is USA forward Red Savage.

Marco Kasper's improvement has happened in many areas. One of them is his ability to drive play through the middle, smartly navigating traffic and gaining controlled zone entries, often leading to sustained offensive zone time.#LGRW https://t.co/tYrycLd2DH pic.twitter.com/W3LLGCWK1h

— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) December 23, 2022

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Coach Jon Cooper can definitely see the Derek Lalonde/Tampa Bay Lightning influence in the new-look Red Wings.

Red Wings used to play on Christmas Day.

Today, on Christmas Day, a former Detroit Red Wings player celebrates his 100th birthday.

 Red Wings’ Next Game

The NHL is in its Christmas Break through Monday. After the holiday break, Detroit (14-11-7) will face the Penguins (19-9-5) in Pittsburgh next Wednesday.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: David Pastrnak, always quick with a joke, says the reason he’s scoring so much is because he feels he has to shoot because playmaker David Krejci rarely shoots. Boston Bruins. 

Colorado: Alexandar Georgiev is the NHL”s second star of the week. Colorado Avalanche.

Florida: How comfortable is Matthew Tkachuk in his new home in Florida? He called out his teammates for a lackluster performance. Florida Panthers. 

New York: In the midst of weathering an injury storm, the Islanders needed this holiday break. New York Islanders. 

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Philadelphia: Sam Carchidi explains what’s next for the Flyers if Carter Hart is out for an extended period. Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh: Dave Molinari writes that defenseman Kris Letang is playing a more controlled game since coming back from his second stroke. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: Sheng Peng provides his take on why William Eklund or Thomas Bordeleau weren’t called up to replace suspended Tomas Hertl. San Jose Sharks.  

Washington:  A slap shot struck John Carlson’s face.  He was released from the hospital, but will be sidelined indefinitely. Washington Capitals.