Marco Kasper

April 2024 – In his first year in the AHL at age 19 (he turns 20 this month), Kasper put up an excellent showing, often featured in a top-line role alongside Jonatan Berggren and Carter Mazur. While 33 points in 65 games did not exactly blow the doors down, it basically tied him with Taro Hirose for 2nd on the team behind Berggren, who is the only Griffin so far to exceed 0.7 points per game. That is a low-scoring team, so don’t read too much into the stats in this case. Besides, Kasper’s game has always been about more than the points. He has been billed as more of a middle-six, heart-and-soul type than a dynamic, top-line pivot, and that trajectory still feels accurate two years removed from the 2022 draft. In other words, he is progressing very, very well. His spatial IQ and ability to make plays quickly under pressure look NHL ready, and he brings an intensity and net-front presence reminiscent of the Ducks’ Mason McTavish that should endear him to fantasy owners in multi-cat formats. Ben Gehrels

October 2023 – The 2022 first-round draft pick has impressed at Red Wings camp with his physical style of play. The 6-1, 187 pound, center even took on the Capitals’ Anthony Mantha, who is 6-5, in an early exhibition game and appeared to hold his own. While it has not shown up on the stat sheet – one assist through four games – his ability to dictate play with his physical presence has made an impact for the club. Detroit has really tried to toughen up their offense and Kasper appears to be just what the doctor ordered. The 19-year-old will most likely start the upcoming season in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins, but don’t be surprised to see him get an early season call up if injuries occur. The young Austrian will be most valuable in multi-category leagues that reward hits and blocked shots and is definitely worth holding on to in most dynasty league formats. Evan Sabourin

May 2023 – Kasper had a strong second SHL season for Rogle BK. His efforts were top 50 all-time in the SHL for a 19-year-old. He came to North America after the SHL and got into one game with the Red Wings where he broke his knee cap. Despite this injury, he should be ready for training camp and be able to do some offseason training. In a league with hits, blocks, and face offs, Kasper’s value goes up. Victor Nuño

July 2022 – Kasper has been selected by the Detroit Red Wings with the eighth overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. Nick Richard

May 2022 – Kasper represented his country Austria in Men’s Worlds in Tampere, Finland. Despite only notching two assists and no goals in 7 games, his overall showing was positive as he was one of Austria’s leading forwards. His great awareness, great pace and good playmaking ability were on display. He had a good season for Rögle in the SHL as well and this tournament just strengthened his draft stock, as I think he would be a good pick late first round. Eetu Siltanen

December 2021 – Kasper, an Austrian import playing in Sweden, earned 10 games in the SHL as a draft-1 player in 2020-21 and his strong play has helped him secure a full-time role with Rögle this season. He has played more games in the SHL this season than any other draft-eligible player, averaging just under 12 minutes of ice time per game for one of the top teams in the league.

As you might expect for a player who has grabbed hold of a regular job in the SHL at 17 years of age, Kasper is a solid two-way center who exhibits maturity all over the ice. He isn’t the flashiest player but he has good puck skills and can make creative passes when presented with time and space. Kasper has already shown the ability to execute with pace in one of the top professional leagues in the world and though he may not become an offensive driver at the NHL level, he consistently makes smart plays to facilitate and help sustain possessions for his team. A versatile player with poise and smarts, Kasper could climb draft boards if he is able to show a bit more offensive upside in the second half of the season. Nick Richard