Marco Kasper Will No Longer Be a Ghost.
- David Buckley
- Oct 3
- 3 min read
Marco Kasper is poised to become the Detroit Red Wings’ second-line center for the 2025-26 season, a role that leverages his two-way capabilities and positions him for increased ice time and production. At 21, the Austrian center’s combination of defensive reliability and offensive potential makes him a critical piece of Detroit’s push toward playoff contention. Likely centering Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane, Kasper’s role offers significant point upside, making him a valuable target in redraft and dynasty fantasy leagues. This analysis explores his draft pedigree, junior and AHL career, and projected performance for the upcoming season.
Kasper, born April 8, 2004, in Innsbruck, Austria, developed his game in the country’s junior leagues. Standing 6’1” and 203 pounds, he combines size, skating, and high hockey IQ, attributes that made him a standout by age 17. His decision to join Rögle BK in Sweden’s SHL showcased his readiness for professional competition, a move that accelerated his development.
Selected eighth overall by the Red Wings in the 2022 NHL Draft in Montreal, Kasper was a strategic pick for a franchise valuing high-floor, high-ceiling prospects. Pre-draft, he demonstrated pro-level ability, recording 13 points (six goals) in 12 games for Rögle’s J20 team and contributing six points in 13 playoff games with the senior squad. His profile suggested a reliable 200-foot center with top-six offensive potential.
After signing a three-year entry-level contract, Kasper returned to Rögle for the 2022-23 SHL season. In 50 games, he scored 11 goals and 19 points, adapting to the physical and fast-paced nature of men’s hockey while refining his defensive game. This experience built the foundation for his two-way identity.
In 2023-24, Kasper transitioned to North America, joining the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL. He produced 43 points in 72 games, maintaining a near point-per-game pace early on while logging significant minutes on both the power play and penalty kill. His 52% faceoff win rate, ability to recover pucks, and physical presence in board battles highlighted his two-way impact. He consistently neutralized top opponents and drove possession at five-on-five, signaling NHL readiness.
In his 2024-25 rookie season, Kasper played 77 games for Detroit, scoring 19 goals and 18 assists for 37 points with a +1 rating. He ranked fourth among NHL rookies in goals, second on the Wings in hits (156), and third in takeaways, establishing himself as a shutdown center with offensive contributions. A slow start saw him tally just seven points in his first 35 games, with 15 AHL assignments for development. However, coaching adjustments sparked a late surge, with 13 points (seven goals, six assists) in his final 15 games, equivalent to a 51.3-point pace over 48 games. His performance earned him Detroit’s Rookie of the Year honors.
(Divining goal showing his knack to not give up on plays)
(Absolute laser of a wrist shot on zone entry)
For 2025-26, Kasper is projected to center the second line alongside DeBrincat, who scored 38 goals last season, and Kane, a veteran with over 1,300 career points. This line combination enhances his offensive opportunities, as DeBrincat’s shooting and Kane’s playmaking complement Kasper’s ability to create space and distribute the puck. His two-way game ensures significant ice time, projected at 17-19 minutes per game, up from 15:27 last season. Kasper’s 44.9% faceoff win rate is improving, and his penalty-kill reliability, paired with 30 PIM and 145 shots, solidifies his role in high-leverage situations. Projections estimate 25+ goals and 55+ points over 82 games, with a potential 60-point ceiling. His ability to drive possession and contribute in critical moments will support Detroit’s playoff aspirations in the competitive Atlantic Division.
In redraft fantasy leagues, Kasper’s ADP (150-180) makes him a mid-round value, offering a floor of 40-45 points, 150+ hits, and 20+ goals, ideal for multi-category formats that value points, PIM, and shots. His linemates elevate his ceiling to 60 points, providing excellent return for a second-year player.
In dynasty leagues, Kasper’s long-term value is significant. Ranked among the top 80 keepers under 25, with a trade value of 9.93 (36th among centers), he projects as a potential franchise center. At 21, he’s a worthwhile investment for contending or rebuilding rosters, justifying a premium in trades.
Kasper’s two-way reliability and offensive growth make him a cornerstone for Detroit’s second line in 2025-26. His ability to handle tough matchups while producing alongside elite linemates positions him for a breakout season, likely contributing 50-60 points and bolstering the Wings’ playoff push. Fantasy managers should prioritize him in drafts, particularly in dynasty formats where his long-term upside shines.
(Coach Todd McClellan gushing about Marco Kasper)
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