Top 20 Detroit Red Wings Prospects To Watch In 2019-20
By Tyler Kotila
Taro Hirose, Michigan State University, 50 points in 2018-19
When it comes to players in the mix to have a breakout season, Taro Hirose is one of them. Hirose may not be able to crack the opening night roster, but there has been a lot of excitement with Hirose’s development. Last year, Hirose signed an entry-level contract for two years after completing his season with the Michigan State University Spartans. He only appeared in ten games for the Red Wings last season though.
Hirose is a left-winger for the Red Wings, who stands 5-foot-10, 160-pounds, shooting from the left side. At the college level, Hirose was electric totaling 116 points over 106 games on three seasons with the Spartans. Hirose was the Big Ten scoring champion this past season and also took home the Big Ten Player of the Year this past season at the NCAA level. The immediate hope is that Hirose will be able to be a force with the NHL team as soon as possible.
With the Red Wings last season, Hirose played in ten games, he scored one goal and tallied six assists for seven points. He may not have had a ton of time to prove himself with the NHL roster, but he should be trusted to develop in the NHL quickly. He could be one of the players who may crack the roster, but there is some uncertainty with thirteen forwards already on the NHL roster.
Hirose is a solid two-way forward for the Detroit Red Wings who excelled at the NCAA level, and the Red Wings hope will translate into the NHL level. Hirose has a knack for his offensive positioning; he often finds ways to be involved in the play by getting to the open ice.
In general, Hirose has a knack for getting into a good scoring position and creating scoring chances. Hirose is a plus-skater who uses that to his advantage as a forward. Though he is a “rookie,” he is not afraid to press and push to the net in the offensive zone even against solid veteran defenders.
Early Expectation: As mentioned above, Hirose may not crack the roster for opening night, but he will be one of the first call-ups for the year and get time in the NHL. The Red Wings are hopeful to have him develop quickly at the NHL level and become a force for them.
A good NHL level and Red Wings comparison for Hirose is Andreas Athanasiou. Hirose compliments Athanasiou well when they played together on a line during his short stint. Hirose is creative and skates well but, lacks the centerman ability that Athanasiou has.