Tralmaks Must Prove Himself at Red Wings Camp

It’s great that Detroit Red Wings prospect Eduards Tralmaks was the leading scorer in the Czech Extraliga. It’s wonderful that he was Latvia’s top point producer at the recently-completed IIHF World Championship.

However, if he wants to prove he’s made of fine NHL fettle, there’s only one way for Tralmaks to display that facet. And that’s by being a shining star next fall when the Red Wings go to training camp.

That’s the opinion of former NHL defenseman and fellow Latvian Sandis Ozolinsh. A Stanley Cup winner with the Colorado Avalanche in 1995-96, Ozolinsh played 875 NHL games. He knows what it takes both to make it and to survive in the world’s best league. And he recognizes that for all his successes at other levels, it’s something Tralmaks must yet prove he can achieve.

Eduards Tralmaks má v 7 zápasech na MS už 7 bodů (3+4)! pic.twitter.com/lP3ONx3sk7

— Eliška (@eliska_tweetuje) May 20, 2025

“Forget all the European championships, forget all the world championships,” Ozolinsh told Latvian website LSM.lv. “It’s not important [to NHL teams]. It can be [important] in some way if there is a choice between two players.

“We will see who has some historical basis that he can be relied on more, but the decisive thing will only be when [Tralmaks] starts training camp in Detroit in September. Then there is a comparison with what they have available in the player corps at that time.”

Tralmaks An Intriguing Red Wings Prospect

There’s no denying that Detroit GM Steve Yzerman’s European free agent signings so far has been left wanting. Tralmaks, though, doesn’t fit the mold of previous European UFAs who’ve arrived in Detroit.

He played youth hockey in Boston, college hockey at Maine and North American pro hockey with the AHL Providence Bruins. Tralmaks, 28, speaks fluent English. He’s played extensively on North American ice surfaces and has been immersed in American culture.

In other words, when he shows up for Detroit’s training camp, it’s not going to be his first rodeo. On top of that, he’ll be arriving carrying the bravado of confidence following a productive season.

“Probably the best season of my life so far,” Tralmaks told IIHF.com. “I have more to show in the future for myself and for the team.”