Sutter Muzzatti gives Todd McLellan another development piece after Detroit acquired the 23-year-old forward from Nashville.
The Red Wings sent future considerations to the Predators for Muzzatti's rights, then immediately signed him to a 2-year entry-level contract.
Nashville faced a deadline to sign its 2023 draft pick and chose to move him rather than risk losing the asset without a return.
Detroit now gets a 6-foot-6 winger coming off his best college season. Muzzatti recorded 13 goals and 32 points in 37 games with Notre Dame.
That production placed him second on the Fighting Irish in both goals and points, giving Detroit something more interesting than size alone.
Before transferring to Notre Dame, Muzzatti spent 4 seasons at RPI and produced 50 points in 78 games.
He also has a hockey connection close to Michigan. His father, Jason Muzzatti, is a former goaltender who spent part of his playing career with the Flint Generals.
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Red Wings quietly acquire promising young forward from Nashville
The immediate expectation shouldn't be an NHL roster spot. Muzzatti still needs work on his mobility and defensive reads as he adjusts from college hockey to the professional level.
Grand Rapids offers the logical next stop. Starting in the AHL would allow him to learn the pace, handle bottom-six minutes and prove his offense can survive against stronger competition.
What makes the bet interesting is the package. Muzzatti handles the puck well for a player with his frame and owns a shot that could become useful around the net.
McLellan doesn't need him in Detroit immediately. The Red Wings can give him development time while evaluating whether his size and scoring touch can eventually translate into a bottom-six NHL role.
The cost also limits the downside. Detroit surrendered future considerations rather than an established roster player, prospect or meaningful draft asset.
That is exactly the type of late-summer move organizations can make when another club is facing a signing deadline. Detroit found a young player with identifiable tools and created more internal competition.
Muzzatti still has plenty to prove before he becomes part of McLellan's lineup. But for a modest acquisition cost, the Red Wings have added another intriguing forward to a development system that now gets time to shape him.
Will Sutter Muzzatti eventually earn a regular NHL role with Detroit?
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