Calm, mature Trey Augustine playing beyond his age, continues development with Red Wings

DETROIT — Sometimes, Red Savage will see Trey Augustine trudge along around Michigan State's Munn Arena and just shake his head.

"We call him Gramps sometimes because he's always waddling around the rink," said Savage, a Red Wings prospect talking about his MSU teammate and fellow Wings prospect. "You forget he's just a little 19-year-old. I forget I'm two years older than he is."

Augustine has certainly matured over this last calendar year, from last year's development camp with the Red Wings to this week's, given his experiences and accomplishments.

All Augustine did was help lead a program renaissance at Michigan State and win Most Outstanding Player of the Big Ten Tournament. He also won gold at the world junior championships with Team USA, and validated every reason why the Wings selected him in the second round last year.

"Trey is a special player," Savage said. "We have a good friendship and it's something I take a lot of value in. His maturity is something that really stands out. He tries to learn as much as he can every day at the rink. He goes into every practice with the same mentality, to not only make himself better, but the people around him better."

Augustine hasn't skated for over a month, taking time away from the game before arriving in this Wings' camp.

"It's been a good time to reflect over the 12-month span," Augustine said. "I've had some unbelievable opportunities. (So many people) have helped me get these opportunities. Hopefully, I'm going to get some more cool ones in the future.

"I'm definitely way less nervous than last year. I'm familiar with the entire staff now."

Augustine was 23-9-2 at MSU with a 2.96 goals-against average and .918 save percentage and was sensational in the Big Ten Tournament, as the Spartans clinched a berth in the NCAA Tournament. The Spartans advanced to the regional final before losing to Michigan.

Augustine feels that with a deep and talented returning class, the Spartans can build on what they accomplished last season.

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