With the NHL returning from the Olympic break on Wednesday, teams are ramping up practices again. Trying to get back in the swing of things and get ready for the stretch run. But with several Red Wings traveling back from Milan, the team needs a few players to fill in until they return. This is why Detroit has recalled veterans Dominik Shine and Sheldon Dries from Grand Rapids. These two are expected to be sent back down as soon as the regulars return from the Olympics.
While it appears these two will be on the team for a couple of days, they could serve as depth for this roster. A player who can serve as the 13th forward on the team and be put into the lineup in case of injury or if someone needs a rest. This can help keep the lineup fresh and better equipped for a playoff run. Out of these two, the best player to serve that role would be Shine. But what makes him the better fit for this depth role?
Why Dominik Shine should stay with the Wings over Sheldon Dries
At first glance, having Shine be the depth piece seems like a no-brainer. He is having a better season for Grand Rapids than Dries. In 37 games, Shine has racked up 21 goals and 15 assists for 36 points. Compared to Dries, who has only 18 goals and 16 assists for 34 points in 42 games. Shine has been the more productive player in less time. It's safe to assume that his point total would be higher had he played the extra five games that Dries did.
Not only is Shine having a better offensive season than Dries, but he is a more versatile winger. Not only can Shine provide offense, but he's not afraid to bring some physicality. Unlike Dries, Shine has shown the ability to lay a big hit and plays bigger than his size suggests. This gives him the ability to play on any line. He will be just as effective on a top offensive line as he would on a shutdown third or fourth line.
Shine has also been in the NHL more recently than Dries has. While Dries has not appeared in an NHL game since the 2022-23 season, he was with the Canucks. Shine was in the league just last season. appearing in nine games for the Wings. Although he has not played since March of last season, he has more experience with this roster. Having any experience with the guys on the roster will make stepping into the lineup much easier.
If all goes right for the Wings, they will never have to worry about Shine being in the lineup. Everyone in the lineup will be healthy and be able to finish the season. However, if they do need to rely on someone for depth, Shine is the perfect player to call upon.