An hour and a half before puck drop Sunday, away from the rising buzz on the Little Caesars Arena concourse, Filip Zadina’s parents settled into a couple of seats in a tucked-away room overlooking the Red Wings’ practice ice.



A big day for their family was beginning. Marek Zadina had flown in over the weekend from the Czech Republic. Filip’s mom, Andrea, had already been with him in Grand Rapids when the official word came down that his NHL debut would be Sunday — an afternoon game against the San Jose Sharks.



Behind them, Tyler Wright, Detroit’s director of amateur scouting — a key force behind bringing Zadina here — walked through the room, as did director of player development Shawn Horcoff. The NHL trade deadline was just over 24 hours away, so it made sense for the organization’s brain trust to be in town. But it was also fitting for them to be in attendance for this game in particular, too.



Eight...