Filip Zadina has experienced a rough transition to pro hockey with the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins, but that won’t dissuade the Detroit Red Wings from giving him an opportunity before the season is done.

Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said the team plans at some point to promote Zadina, the organization’s top pick in 2018 (No. 6 overall).

“Before the end the season, I want Z to play some NHL games,” Holland said. “I don’t know when, I don’t know how many. As we go into the off-season, I think it’ll be important for him to play some games in the NHL and get a feel for what the next level is all about.”

Zadina’s promotion likely will come in March. Teams are allowed four recalls following the Feb. 25 trade deadline. Holland said Zadina won’t play more than nine games with the Red Wings because that would constitute an NHL season that they’re not going to burn.

Zadina has 11 goals and 12 assists in 39 games for the Griffins. He is fifth on the team in scoring. He has a team-worst minus-14 rating.

“I think he’s had a good year,” Holland said. “He’s had some nights when he’s been very, very good, he’s had some nights when he hasn’t been a big factor and he’s had lots of nights when he’s looked like an American League player. I think that’s part of the process. He’s a 19-year-old playing in a league with a lot of guys that are 23 to 29. They’re bigger, stronger and more experienced. It’s going to be a real important year for him in terms of understanding how hard pro hockey is and the importance of hitting the gym in the summer and make adjustments.”

Holland said the toughest adjustment for Zadina (6-0, 190) has been competing against stronger players and not having as much space.

“Just learning how to be successful with less space,” Holland said. “Those puck battles in the corner where the guys bigger and stronger, you got to win a percentage of those in order to have puck possession.”

Zadina joined the organization with much fanfare as its highest selection since 1990. Many were surprised he was available at No. 6. But he did not distinguish himself in training camp and the preseason and was disappointed to be sent down.

Holland said it’s important for all young players to learn to deal with adversity.

“It not smooth sailing all the time,” Holland said. “You’re going to lose your confidence. You’re not going to get as many minutes as you want. The other teams, players and coaches, as you become a better player, they’re trying to neutralize you.

“I believe he’s going to score goals in the National Hockey League. I can’t tell you when. I got to make sure we do what’s in the best interest of that player, not what’s in the best interest of the team or selling tickets. It’s got to be in the best interest of developing that young player and putting him in a position to become the very best he can be and fulfill whatever potential they have.”

Zadina isn’t putting too much pressure on himself.

“I’m still here in Grand Rapids and want to play the best hockey I can and then if I get a call up just do my best there and have fun,” Zadina said Wednesday, following the Griffins’ 2-1 victory over Manitoba.

Griffins coach Ben Simon was asked if Zadina deserves a promotion.

“He’s a highly-touted prospect and there’s a lot of expectations from him,” Simon said. “A lot of times, whether you deserve it or not, they have to find out what you’re about at the NHL level. Some players are better NHL players than they are American League players and some who are really good in the NHL don’t produce when they come down here.

“So, at the end of the day, if they put a lot of time and effort in Filip Zadina, they want to see what he can do. Whether he deserves it or not is not my question to answer, but I think if you’re here on a daily basis and see how much he cares and competes and works, whether the results are there, I think he deserves the opportunity at some point.”