Red Wings' Marco Kasper out for world championships with knee issues
Marco Kasper was hit hard by the sophomore slump, his second NHL season not at all matching his rookie success. We might now know a reason why.
Detroit — Marco Kasper was hit hard by the sophomore slump, his second NHL season not at all matching his rookie success. We might now know a reason why. Kasper, 22, told the Austrian website Hockey-News.
Info last week that he's currently walking around on crutches and is wearing a knee brace, and will not play in this month's men's world championships in Zurich for Austria. An MRI after the season revealed the extent of the knee problems, though no surgery is needed. Kasper likely will need a portion of the summer for rest and rehabilitation.
But playing in the world championships and representing Austria was important for Kasper, who starred last year while leading Austria into the quarterfinals for the first time since 1994. Kasper had seven points (four goals, three assists) in eight games, doubling down on what was a successful rookie NHL season. "I would have liked to be part of the World Cup," Kasper told the website.
"It always makes me really proud to play for Austria. But I have to make sure that my knee gets good again, so that I can get back to can hit the ground running. Staying in the league is the most important thing.
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