With the NHL hitting pause for the Winter Olympics, most of the Detroit Red Wings roster is enjoying a well-earned breather. But for Moritz Seider, the break is anything but a vacation. The 23-year-old blueliner is gearing up for a pivotal role with Team Germany as men’s Olympic hockey returns to the global stage for the first time in 12 years.
Seider Steps into the Spotlight for Team Germany
Germany enters the Olympic tournament as a bit of a dark horse. They’re part of Group C, which includes Latvia, Denmark, and a powerhouse Team USA squad loaded with offensive firepower.
The Americans are bringing the heat with names like Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, Jack Hughes, Jake Guentzel, and the Tkachuk brothers-Matthew and Brady. That’s a forward group that can wear you down shift after shift, and for Germany to have any shot at an upset, they’ll need their top defender to be at his absolute best.
That’s where Seider comes in.
The Red Wings defenseman is expected to log heavy minutes and take on the toughest matchups-something he’s already been doing all season in Detroit. Whether it’s killing penalties, breaking up rushes, or moving the puck out of the zone with poise, Seider’s game is built for high-pressure situations. And in a tournament like this, where every shift matters, his presence on the ice could be the difference between Germany hanging around or getting overwhelmed.
Olympic Experience Could Fuel Red Wings’ Playoff Push
While Seider’s primary focus will be helping Germany make a run, the experience he’s gaining on the Olympic stage could pay dividends when he returns to Detroit. The Red Wings are in the thick of the playoff hunt, chasing their first postseason appearance since 2016. And Seider’s been a driving force behind their resurgence.
Through 58 games this season, he’s put up seven goals and 31 assists, while maintaining a +13 rating. He’s also racked up 130 blocked shots, 88 hits, and 20 takeaways-numbers that speak to his all-around impact.
Simply put, Seider is doing it all. And while Cale Makar may be the front-runner for the Norris Trophy, Seider’s name absolutely belongs in the conversation.
It’s no surprise Detroit locked him up with a seven-year, $59.85 million extension. At just over $8.5 million per year, he ranks 17th in AAV among NHL defensemen-a number that’s already looking like a steal for a player who’s anchoring the blue line and still hasn’t hit his ceiling.
Germany’s Top Talent Has a Shot to Make Noise
Seider won’t be alone in this Olympic run. Germany’s forward group is headlined by Leon Draisaitl, one of the game’s most dominant offensive players.
Add in Tim Stützle, J.J. Peterka, and Nico Sturm, and you’ve got a top six that can generate chances and keep opponents honest.
If Seider and Germany’s defense can hold the line, there’s enough talent up front to make things interesting-especially in a short tournament format where one hot game can flip the script.
And for Seider, it’s another chance to show the hockey world just how far he’s come since the questions surrounding his draft position back in 2019. Those doubts feel like a distant memory now. He’s no longer just a promising young defenseman-he’s one of the best at his position, and he’s about to prove it on one of the biggest stages in the sport.
Germany opens their Olympic campaign on Thursday, Feb. 12, against Denmark at 3:00 p.m. ET. All eyes will be on Seider as he leads the charge from the back end, carrying not just Germany’s hopes, but also momentum that could shape the Red Wings’ postseason fate.