DETROIT – Tomas Jurco, in half a season as a rookie, provided the Detroit Red Wings a preview of what he is capable of doing in the NHL.

The highly skilled forward showed his offensive ability, with eight goals and 15 points in 36 games. He also used his size (6-2, 193) effectively, battling in the hard areas of the ice and providing a net-front presence.

"I think I did show them, and I think I can show them even more," Jurco said. "I'm going to have more confidence this year and hopefully it's going to help me. I'm sure I can show way more than I did last year."

Jurco, 21, is much more confident heading into training camp this year. He made that clear Tuesday, following his first informal practice with teammates at Joe Louis Arena, after arriving from Slovakia and moving into teammate Luke Glendening's place.

"I know all the guys now. I feel more confident. It helps a lot," Jurco said. "I enjoy last year's camp and I'm going to enjoy this one, too. I don't think there is much difference, except for the level of confidence for me."

He said that confidence boost will enable him to be calmer on the ice and control the puck more than he did last season.

"I have to play physical and skate a lot," Jurco said. "I'm going to try to bring a little more skill into it than I did last year."

The Red Wings' top draft pick in 2011, Jurco had 32 points (13 goals, 19 assists) in 32 games for the Grand Rapids Griffins. He said he was on the ice every day this summer trying to improve his shooting, but added, "So far I don't see any differences. Hopefully in the season I'll feel the difference from last year."

The Red Wings don't want him to be any less physical while trying to be more skilled. He could be better equipped for that style of play this season.

"I added maybe 3-4 pounds but I didn't have to add any more weight," Jurco said. "I was just trying to build more muscles. It was a pretty hard summer for me and hopefully it's going to work (well)."

Jurco, under ordinary circumstances, would have a secure spot on the roster based on his performance last season. But, he is the only regular forward who is exempt from waivers. That gives the club the option to send him back to Grand Rapids if it needs his roster spot for someone else.

The Red Wings have 13 forwards on one-way contracts. If Daniel Alfredsson returns – the 41-year-old's future is in question after he experienced a setback with his troublesome back – the Red Wings would need to send Jurco to the AHL or waive a forward to stay the 23-man roster limit (they plan to carry 14 forwards, seven defensemen and two goaltenders) – unless there's an injury.

Gustav Nyquist started last season in Grand Rapids due to similar circumstances.

"It would hurt, for sure," Jurco said. "Every player wants to play in NHL. It's a business. If I'm going to start there, I'm going to play my best hockey and hopefully I'm going to move up here early in the season. Anywhere I start I'm going to try to play my best for sure and we'll see."

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