Detroit Red Wings Refuse to Release Moritz Seider For WJC

If you’re a WJC fan, it’s a bummer, but it is well within the rights of every NHL team to refuse to release a player for the World Junior Championships. The Detroit Red Wings have done so, by declining one of their top prospects a chance to go play for the German roster this year. It has been confirmed that Moritz Seider has been announced as not available.

Related: Can Moritz Seider Make an Immediate Impact in Detroit?

Germany announces its preliminary roster for the WJC. They’re hopeful Tim Stuetzle (OTT) will be recovered in time for tournament. Lukas Reichel (CHI) and JJ Peterka (BUF) on the list, of course. Moritz Seider (DET), however, is not being made available for WJC per DEB. https://t.co/BpLPo5Eutl

— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) November 18, 2020

German-based site, Deutscher Eishockey-Bund writes (English translation), “Defender Moritz Seider, who is currently playing for Rögle BK in Sweden and whose NHL team Detroit Red Wings has not given clearance for the U20 World Cup, cannot be there.” The Red Wings have decided that he’s got a shot at their roster this season and would rather he be available for their NHL camp, while also potentially limiting the risk of injury heading into the 2020-21 NHL season.

This is unfortunate news for the German team who had hoped Seider would be available for their defense corps. He was arguably one of the best players on the team outside of newly-drafted center of the Ottawa Senators, Tim Stuetzle. Seider was selected sixth overall in 2019 by the Red Wings and he is currently playing Sweden for Rogle, where he’ll stay until the Red Wings NHL camp. He’s currently got seven points in eight games.

Seider, 19, is likely ready to make the NHL jump. He’s scoring overseas and has played well in the AHL, scoring 22 points in 49 games for the Grand Rapids Griffins. He’s got good size at 6’4″, he’s a right-handed shot (which every NHL team loves) and he’s well rounded.

The Red Wings Want to Develop Prospects This Season

For the Red Wings and GM Steve Yzerman, this season will be very much about getting their top-end prospects time in the NHL and Seider is in that group. The organization is hoping he’s a player they can eventually build around.

Without Seider, the German team is still going to be competitive thanks to the inclusion of Stuetzle, Lukas Reichel, and John Peterka. Seider’s absence should see Luca Munzenberger get a lot more ice time. He’ll be eligible for the 2021 NHL draft.

NEXT: Bobby Ryan Details Why He Chose Red Wings in NHL Free Agency