Maybe Taro Hirose didn’t wow you during his time with the Detroit Red Wings. Regardless, you can’t help but be impressed by his attitude, his general approach to life.

That he was able to reach the NHL at all as an undrafted college free agent is an achievement the 5-foot-10, 162-pound Hirose wears proudly as a badge of honor.

“Making it to the NHL and the AHL despite this is special,” Hirose, 29, told the Red Bull Munich website. “Looking back, it’s a great achievement that I can be proud of.

“As a junior, the NHL wasn’t really my goal. It wasn’t until after college that I felt I could make it.”

Hirose An Early Red Wings Hit

Playing at Michigan State, Hirose jumped right into NHL action after signing with the Red Wings on March 12, 2019. Debuting at Madison Square Garden against the New York Rangers, he’d collect an assist in his first period of NHL action. Hirose would garner assists in each of his first five NHL games.

However, there would be just 15 points over his remaining 55 NHL games, and only four goals. Hirose became a mainstay with the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins. In 248 games at GR, he would account for 201 points. During the 2022-23 season, Hirose led the Griffins in scoring with 57 points.

#CHIvsGR | Taro Hirose finishes the beautiful passing play on the doorstep and the Griffins have tied this one up! pic.twitter.com/S4FCk5ZADm

— Andrew Rinaldi (@GR_Rinaldi_) March 9, 2024

“I play the game in my head and like to think my way through the game,” Hirose said. “I can be creative with the puck offensively and set up my teammates, but I also want to take care of the defensive end of the ice.”

Out of contract following the 2023-24 season, Hirose would answer a call he’d always been curious about.

“Europe wasn’t the most obvious decision,” Hirose admitted. “But I’ve always said that I’d like to play here someday. I wanted to have this experience and get to know other cultures.”

Tor durch Taro Hirose zum 2-1 in der #PENNYDEL Partie EHC Red Bull München vs Schwenninger Wild Wings 🚨

Alle Spiele der @DELoffiziell gibt es live bei #MagentaSport 📺#redbulls #miiinga #hockey #gameday #goal pic.twitter.com/gyM2hpGCw1

— EHC Red Bull München (@RedBullMuenchen) November 26, 2024

He started in the DEL with the same level of fire as Hirose began his NHL career. It took him just 126 seconds to register his first point. He scored a goal and two assists in his debut and nine points through his first 10 games. He finished second on the team in assists (28) and points (43) and third overall in goals (15).

Readying for his second season in Germany, Hirose’s excitement level is palpable. He’s embracing the chance to be a leader for Red Bull Munich.

“I just want to make the most of every day,” Hirose said. “I take it one day at a time and have fun along the way.

“Besides, you don’t get this chance every day. I’m very happy with my decision.”