Red Wings' Alexey Marchenko: Will play in World Cup of Hockey

Marchenko will represent Russia at the World Cup of Hockey this fall, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

Analysis:

Marchenko is a true gamer honing his craft in international play. The 24-year-old was a member of a Russian team that earned a bronze medal at the IIHF World Championship earlier this month, pitching in a goal, two assists, and an immaculate plus-12 rating. All of this experience should do wonders for Marchenko's development after he provided modest offensive totals this past season, averaging one point every six games. Detroit sorely needs another reliable scoring threat on the blue line, and Marchenko could fit the bill as he embarks on what should be his second full season in the NHL.