The Left Wing Lock

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Long gone is the wide-eyed excited rookie who participated in his first NHL prospect tournament back in 2013. In his place is a confident and eager Zach Nastasiuk who is ready to earn his first professional roster spot.

“I am ready and excited for this,” he said. “I’ve been working all summer on my legs and feet. Doing a lot of power skating so I can be quicker out there.”

The 20 year-old finished his final season with the Owen Sound Attack of the OHL. Nastasiuk, who served as captain last season, had his most productive year scoring 35 goals and 77 points in 64 games.

“I had lots of opportunity last year,” He said. “I can’t thank the organization for what it has done for me. They have made me into the player I am today.”

The 6-foot-2, 202 pound winger finished the year in Grand Rapids playing in six regular season games and four playoff games for the Griffins. Nastasiuk was held pointless in those games, but it was more about the experience than productivity.

“Those games helped a lot to understand what is expected of you to be a full-time pro,” he said. “It’s really good for young guys like me to get in there and get my feet wet. I know what to expect coming into this year now.”

Nastasiuk is hoping is offseason work will not only earn him an AHL roster spot but also a significant role on the team. The Barrie, Ontario native believes he is more than ready to make the transition to the pro ranks.

“The details of the next level and positional play are things that I’ll need to adjust to,” he said. “Every league you make a jump into, all the guys are stronger, faster, and bigger. You’ve got to make sure you are even that much more prepared and be on your toes. You’ve got to be ready at all times.”

Nastasiuk took the first step earlier this week playing in his third NHL prospects tournament for the Red Wings. The hard working forward was held off the score sheet, but saw significant time on Detroit’s penalty kill and spent some time on the top line along side Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha. The Red Wings finished second overall after losing to the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2 in the championship game.

“I think if you ask every hockey player, we all take pride in winning,” Nastasiuk said. “It sucks losing and it is a little disappointing, but coming together in a short period of time is something to be proud of. These guys did a really good job and I had a lot of fun this year.”

With the 2015 NHL prospect tournament behind him, Nastasiuk is shifting his focus to training camp. In addition to earning an AHL roster spot, he’s hoping to see some exhibition game action.

“Right now at camp I am just going to take it day by day,” he said. “I want to show them I am ready to be the best pro player I can be. But we are all competing for the same thing so its a great atmosphere to be in.”