DETROIT – Thomas Vanek’s first NHL game was more than 13 years ago, but he knows how Filip Zadina will feel on Sunday.

“The first 5-10 minutes are going to be the hardest for him just to kind of get his heartbeat down and settle in, but we’re all here to help him,” Vanek said.

Zadina, the Detroit Red Wings’ highest draft pick since 1990, makes his league debut against the San Jose Sharks at Little Caesars Arena (3 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit).

Zadina, the skilled winger taken sixth overall in 2018, was playing his best hockey of the season with the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins, riding a seven-game points streak (three goals, six assists). Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill wants him to do what he does best – fire away.

“His job is to shoot when he gets those passes,” Blashill said. “It doesn’t mean he can’t make a play, but I expect him to shoot pucks.”

Zadina practiced with the team Saturday. He will start on a line with Vanek and Luke Glendening.

Vanek, an Austrian who speaks Czech, can communicate with Zadina in his native tongue. And he’ll be looking to set him up.

“He’s been through what Zadina’s going through,” Blashill said. “He was a high pick (fifth in 2003), he’s been in similar situations, so I think he can help. (Vanek) has got high hockey IQ and he’s probably our best passer.”

Blashill said Glendening provides forecheck pressure, net presence and defensive accountability.

“The last thing you want is to have a group of offensive players playing D-zone coverage the whole time,” Blashill said.

Zadina will play on the half-wall on a power-play unit with Gustav Nyquist, Tyler Bertuzzi, Michael Rasmussen and Mike Green.

“Part of this is seeing where he’s at, how ready is he for some of these things,” Blashill said. “Putting him on the power play to start gives him an opportunity to showcase what I think one of his best attributes are. He’s played different spots in GR -- on that flank, on the opposite flank where he’s more on his forehand, in the middle. Where I’ve seen him be his best is shooting one-timers on that side, so I’m hoping he can shoot a few in the net.”

Zadina knows he’s here for only nine games maximum (that prevents burning a year of his entry-level contract and keeps him exempt from the 2021 expansion draft). That might relieve some pressure to feel he must impress to stick around. But Zadina said there is pressure to show he deserves to be here next season.

“I’m just going to have fun and play my hockey, play my best and we’ll see if they like me and keep me (up) next season,” Zadina said. “It’s about having fun right now. I’m kind of nervous about it. I guess every player is nervous a little bit, but I’m not under pressure. Just go and have fun.”

Vanek recalled from training camp that Zadina puts himself in spots where he can shoot.

“He’ll be skating hard, I’ll be trying to get him the puck and hopefully he can get that first (goal) out of the way,” Vanek said. “As a goal-scorer you want to get those first couple chances, first goal out of the way quickly. Hopefully, I’ll be there to help him out and calm him down at the same time.”

Blashill said he won’t force-feed Zadina minutes, especially in his first game.

“If he goes out and plays great, then you earn more minutes,” Blashill said. “It’s not going to be a thing where if he doesn’t play good, he’s going to get benched per se, but you got to ease your way into it.”

After a slow start with the Griffins, Zadina is fourth on the club in scoring with 15 goals and 31 points.

“I’ve grown a lot,” Zadina said. “Grand Rapids helped me a lot during the regular season, through the offensive zone, neutral zone, defensive zone, all over the ice. Huge thanks for them, they made me a better player than I was at the beginning of the season.

“I didn’t change anything. I’m just playing my way. I’m patient. Now it’s coming. It’s a great feeling to score points. We’re winning, so it’s a huge feeling.”

Zadina’s mother has been here for a few weeks. His father is flying in from the Czech Republic.

“It’s going to be a huge day for our family,” Zadina said. “I’m so glad they can be here and enjoy the day with me.”