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Update:
Ansar Khan posted the training camp roster along with an announcement that Alex Chiasson will be at camp on PTO. Seider is on the roster but obviously won’t be participating until a deal is done
Mlive’s Ansar Khan continues to do his best to keep updates coming on Moritz Seider’s new deal. Training camp starts tomorrow, and this is not a player anyone wants to see missing from the ice.
The “theme” of this summer’s negotiations (and this blog has relayed the sentiment) was that Raymond’s deal was a tougher nut to crack than Seider’s. Until we see the final outcome, everything is a guess. In truth, there is personal hope of a near immediate update to this entry.
Everything about Moritz Seider’s career after being selected by Yzerman at 6th overall has seemed to be a tale of surprise. The 2019 draft, where all the jerseys donned the retired number of the returned Yzerman, saw the first pick as Detroit’s GM met with gasps and the image of Seider’s visible shock. The young defenseman would later tell an interesting tale about that moment.
Apparently his mother pointed to Yzerman, who was drawing a lot of attention and ask, “who is that?” Seider explained that it was the Detroit Red Wing’s General Manager and a bit about the hall of famer. Seider said his mother then told him, “he’s going to pick you”. That seems uncanny and far fetched but I take him at his word.
Stories about the young German began to come out while the pundits at the NHL desk scrambled a bit. First, he had interviewed with every team. It was his request, and the sign of someone who has a high pain threshold. The thought of 30+ interviews with a group of executives isn’t one most would relish. Seider wanted the experience and wanted to ask questions.
His year in Grand Rapids was recently described by Bob Kaser during the prospect gave vs. Dallas as the best rookie he’d seen in his tenure. Seider spent the next year overseas opting to play in a Swedish league knowing he couldn’t leave as the NHL was trying to figure out a plan. He was awarded the “Elite Prospect” title (which was criticized by one reader as not being a real award) then made defenseman of the year. Not rookie defenseman of the year.
At 20 he entered the league as Lucas Raymond did at 19 (both had played in Sweden the previous season) and won rookie of the year in the NHL with Raymond finishing 4th in voting. Seider didn’t expect to win so his parents weren’t at the ceremony.
Both Seider and Raymond have been bright spots in the near full teardown and rebuild of the team. Only Larkin, Veleno, Rasmussen and Berggren seem to remain from the Holland era. Seider’s maturity has been on display as he has grown into what several of you have opined as Detroit’s most important player. From gasps and disbelief to a high point like that is no small feat. Neither is being able to rock a bow tie but the defenseman has done both.
Training camp starts tomorrow. If today is anything like years past, the team is likely on the golf course or cruising the sand dunes and bonding in beautiful Traverse City. Tomorrow will be the checklist day where your outgoing weight is compared with your incoming weight. Your vertical, aerobic and strength tests are sadistically administered and players prepare to become a walking bruise. Training camp gets the callous building. I’ve only spoken to one player after the beginning of camp (years ago) and they were visibly exhausted and sore. It’s just part of the gig and an important part.
Seider needs to be on the ice and in the workout facilities. As much for the team and the fans as for himself. He seems a likely candidate for future captain and carries himself accordingly. Raymond’s deal was a relief, Seider’s deal is probably the single most important of business in terms of how this team starts and competes in the season. He impacts the team and the game, and this feels far too close for comfort. To reiterate, it is with a hope of a near immediate update that this is released.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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