The Daily: Red Wings Draftee Leads USA at WJC; Who’s Naughty in Chicago?

Detroit Red Wings prospect Trey Augustine could be the starting goalie for Team USA when it opens the World Junior Championship in Sweden with a game against Norway on Tuesday.

Augustine (drafted 41st overall by the Red Wings last June) is considered America’s best young goalie. The South Lyon goalie is off to a strong start as a freshman at Michigan State. He owns a 10-1-2 record with a 2.34 goals-against and .928 save percentage.

“I think my rebound control has gotten a lot better,” Augustine recently told Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff. “At the end of the day it’s kind of adapting to the taller guys and how wide they are in college hockey. So I feel like I’m ready for that, the traffic and stuff.

“I think my whole game has improved kind of slightly this year.”

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• In addition to being Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe was Mr. Christmas
• Steve Yzerman and Robby Fabbri understand what Patrick Kane had to go through to return to NHL competition.
• The recall of Simon Edvinsson was an early Christmas gift for Detroit fans. Fans are anxious see him as a permanent fixture in Detroit.

Red Wings Next Game

The Detroit squad will be Minnesota Wednesday to play the Wild. The Wild have won three in a row and 10 of their last 13. The Red Wings are 2-8-1 in their last 11 games. Injuries are the other big concern for the Red Wings after the break.  Christian Fischer and Jeff Petry were injured against the Devils. Goalie Ville Husso is out week to week and  goalie Alex Lyon is expected back later this week.

And to all a goodnight 💤 @TRIAOrthopedics x #mnwild pic.twitter.com/8mGD0tP3LI

— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) December 24, 2023

Hockey Now Network

Calgary: Trevor Neufeld explains the how and why of the Calgary Flames‘ new “zone defense.”

Chicago: Nate Brown examined the “naughty” and “nice” lists after the Chicago Blackhawks‘ last outing.

Colorado: The Avalanche were happy to enter the Christmas break with a win.  Since Nov. 30, the Colorado Avalanche have lost more games than they won.

Montreal: Dynamic prospect defenseman Lane Hutson helped Team USA get off to a good start in preparation for the WJC. Montreal Canadiens.