Red Wings Kasper NHL’s Hot Shot Rookie

When the Detroit Red Wings originally selected Marco Kasper with the eighth pick of the 2022 NHL entry draft, the only question scouts had about the choice was whether Kasper would score in the NHL.

Lately, that question has taken a 180-degree turn. Now, the hockey world is asking whether Kasper will ever stop scoring.

His goal in Friday’s 5-3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes was Kasper’s 16th of the season. It was also his 14th goal since Jan. 10. Over that span of time, no NHL rookie has scored more often than the Austrian center.

Marco Kasper is playing at a 30-goal/50-point pace since Jan 1st.

During that time he leads all rookies in goals, is behind only Michkov in even-strength scoring, and is behind only Hutson, Michkov and Celebrini in total points. #LGRW

— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) April 5, 2025

Kasper has two more goals than Philadelphia’s Matvei Michkov and Zack Bolduc of the St. Louis Blues. He has netted four more goals than Cutter Gauthier of the Anaheim Ducks.

“Yeah, I mean, you got to find the right spots in the ice,” Kasper said as the key to scoring goals. “You got to compete really hard. Battle, win pucks.

“A couple of those 50-50 battles and getting a puck in the right situation, but also find the right space where you want yourself in an area where you can score and stuff like that.”

Red Wings McLellan Invests In Kasper Future

Kasper has been given a new lease on life so to speak since Todd McLellan was replacing Derek Lalonde as Red Wings coach. Shunted to bottom-six ice time under Lalonde, Kasper scored twice. Both goals came on the power play.

McLellan has put Kasper in roles with the opportunity to succeed offensively. He played on the wing with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. Later, he was at center between Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat. Friday, Kasper found himself between Elmer Soderblom and Raymond.

Marco Kasper adds another for Detroit. ✅ pic.twitter.com/wbqHpt9U0a

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 13, 2025

The vast majority of his goals are just a combination of hard work and a willingness to go to the so-called dirty areas of the ice.

“It’s a skill to be able to play with top players and go to the net and score around the net,” Kane said. “I think he scored a lot of his goals in the blue paint this year, and it’s a huge way to create offense in this league.

“Obviously, he pushes the pace up the middle. Great skater, good both ways. And when you get to the net like that, you’re going to get rewarded.”