The past few seasons have been literal banner years for the Wings, and that success is spilling over the the next levels. The NHL has taken notice to what we have known all along. This past weekend Forward Nathan Smith became the 4th former Wings player drafted into the NHL. This week a record 5 former Wings players are competing in NHL Development Camps.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Kevin Fitzgerald (2015-2017) will be competing in his first NHL development camp. The 6′ 180 lb Center is currently playing for the St. Cloud Huskies. During his 2 years with the Wings Kevin put up 84 points (37 goals, 47 assists) in 110 games played. In his freshman season with the Huskies Kevin had 19 points ( 5 goals, 14 assists) in 38 games played.
Peter Thome (2015-2016) is in his 2nd Development camp with the Blue Jackets. The 6’4 203 lb goaltender is currently playing for the North Dakota Fighting Hawks. During his time with the Wings Peter put up a 2.43 GAA and a .929 SV% in 47 games played. In his freshman season for the Fighting Hawks Peter plaid in 12 games and had a 2.31 GAA and a .910 SV%. Peter is a 2017 6th round draft pick of the Blue Jackets.
Los Angeles Kings: Andrew Shortridge (2014-2015) Andrew is in his first development camp for the LA Kings. Andrew is a 6’4 185 lb goaltender currently playing for Quinnipiac University. During his time with the Wings Andrew had an overall 2.57 GAA and a .913 SV% in 33 regular season games played. Andrew just finished his sophomore season with the Bobcats where he has a total of 51 games played. In his freshman season Andrew had a 2.08 GAA and a .920 SV%. During his sophomore season Andrew had a 2.36 GAA and a .906 SV%.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Peter Krieger (2012-2013) Fresh off his 2018 NCAA DI National Championship, Krieger is competing in his first development camp with the Lightning. Krieger is a 5’11 185 lb forward. During his time in Aberdeen Peter had 22 goals and 32 assists (54 points) in 59 games. Peter played two seasons in Alaska before transferring to Duluth for his final 2 college seasons. So far in 3 total seasons playing NCAA DI Hockey, Peter has 20 goals & 52 assists (72 points) in 113 games played.
Winnipeg Jets: Nathan Smith (2016-2017) This past weekend Nathn became the 4th Wings Alumni to be drafted into the NHL. The 6′ 176 lb center was selected by the Winnipeg Jets in the 3rd round (91st overall) This will be Nathans first development camp. Nathan spent last season with the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders and put up 47 points ( 17 goals & 30 assists) in 51 games played. He has committed to play at Division I Minnesota State University (Mankato) next season.