Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings draft pick Savage wearing letter for USA Hockey

Savage is playing in his second world junior tourney

Published

1 year ago

December 26, 2022

Bob Duff

Red Wings draft pick Red Savage is wearing an A for Team USA at the world juniors.

Detroit Red Wings draft pick Red Savage is playing in his second IIHF World Junior Championship. USA Hockey head coach Rand Pecknold is recognizing that experiencing by appointing him to a leadership role with this year’s club.

Made the 114th selection of the 2021 NHL entry draft by Detroit, Savage will be serving as one of two alternate captains for Team USA.

Luke Hughes, younger brother of NHLers Jack and Quinn Hughes, is serving as captain. Sean Behrens is joining Savage as an alternate captain. Both were also part of last year’s team.

Under the radar forward for USA, #19 Red Savage of @MiamiOH_Hockey. Should be the 3rd line C, dependable two way kid who can score. Hard nosed, smart, has leadership skills. Good shift here vs Sweden in pre tourney action; I highlighted some good stuff. @NHLNetwork pic.twitter.com/gseahIligG

— Dave Starman (@DStarmanHockey) December 25, 2022

“We’ve got a terrific leadership group with Luke, Sean and Red,” Pecknold said. “We know they’ll use their experience and voice to help us in our ultimate goal of winning the gold medal.”

Savage was also a member of Team USA for the 2021 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship. He played two seasons at USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (2019-21) and is currently in his second campaign playing collegiately at Miami University.

Savage A Gritty Bottom Six Presence

The son of former NHLer Brian Savage is working on Team USA’s third line. Red Savage is seen as a stout two-way forward who can check, be abravisve and also contribute offensively.

“He’s intelligent, driven, and hard-working,” as Dan Stewart of Draft Prospects Hockey. “Savage doesn’t mind sticking his nose in the action. He’s gritty, an excellent skater with a quick first step.

“He uses his body and quickness to battle, drives the net and knows what to do once he gets there. Savage has a dangerous shot in tight, hunts the puck and is highly effective on the forecheck. Just a strong two-way competitor who can play up and down your line-up.”

Savage has complied 4-6-10 totals through 16 games with the RedHawks this season. He’s almost already equaled last season’s freshman output of 6-10-16 numbers in 35 games.

The USA is opening the world junior tourney with a game on Monday, December 26 (4 p.m. ET) against Latvia.