The other day, Detroit Red Wings coach Todd McLellan was discussing how players continue to make forward strides within their game as they grow as individuals.

Then, he was discussing rookie defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka. However, in theory, the same assessment can be applied when the topic of conversation is any player. And that includes Moritz Seider.

As good as Seider has been during his four seasons with the Red Wings, he’s continually getting better. And this season, there’s definitely been another giant step forward within Seider’s game.

For the first time in his NHL career, you’re hearing his name mentioned in the Norris Trophy conversation.

Seider picked up a goal and an assist Saturday as the Red Wings dumped the Washington Capitals 5-2. Following a slow offensive start to the season – two assists through the first nine games – Seider has ignited. He has 24 points in the past 27 games and 10 points over the past 10 games.

MO SNIPE 🚀 pic.twitter.com/HSoeLQSKMr

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) December 20, 2025

“I think it all goes together,” Red Wings coach Todd McLellan told FanDuel Sports Network Detroit. “He defends well, and all of a sudden the puck’s on his tape. He makes really good decisions with it most of the time.

“I think he’s starting to use his shot a little bit more. It’s not the big slap shot, it’s just that feeder wrist shot that becomes effective.”

With five goals on the season – more than halfway to his career high of nine – Seider admits he’s been looking to shoot the puck more this season.

“I mean, obviously you don’t want to force it,” Seider said. “Other than that, yes, of course. I think you always want to get your shot through and have guys in front to either tip it or screen it.”

Red Wings Top Pairing A Big Unit

As Detroit’s top tandem, Seieder and Simon Edvinsson are among eight NHL defensive pairings to log at least 400 minutes of ice time together. They’ve been on the ice for 26 five-on-five goals for and only 15 against.

Among that exclusive group, only the Colorado duo of Cale Makar and Devon Toews (+16) shows a better goal differential. Just the New York Rangers tandem of Adam Fox and Vladislav Gavrikov (11) has been on the ice for fewer goals against.

“Both he and Simon were real important pieces in our win (Saturday),” McLellan said of his top pairing. Each defender was plus-three. Seider is leading the Red Wings with a plus-12 rating.

Moritz Seider is an elite defenseman. I already mentioned last season that he was playing at this level and that his contract is an absolute steal for Detroit. pic.twitter.com/f1s4XdWbJ2

— Rono (@RonoAnalyst) December 7, 2025

“We can look at analytics and look at numbers, which we do,” McLellan said. “And obviously, his numbers have improved in that area, but his overall presence on the ice, both offensively and defensively, I think he’s taking strides.

“His, I guess, if you want to call it, messes or mistakes, are being minimized. He has some very tough competition that he faces on a nightly basis. You know, not just every second game, but every night for a good 25, 27 minutes. And he handles that well.

“And I really think he’s a diesel engine. He just never turns off, and he just keeps going. His stamina is remarkable, in my opinion.”