Detroit Red Wings Being Stacked Calms Any Injury Fears

It’s no secret that one of the biggest challenges the Red Wings face is keeping everyone fit and healthy. Unfortunately we haven’t started the season too well on that front. Superstar Russian Pavel Datsyuk probably won’t be back until some time in November and Darren Helm has recently been assigned to the Injured Roster, as has Danny DeKeyser. DeKeyser being added just days after I wrote about his potential to have a break-out season; maybe I cursed him, who knows? Either way I’m hiding from our editor and current Western Michigan Bronco student Gwen for a while.

The 2013-14 season was a low point and kept the team’s medical staff very busy; 38 different players dressed for the Red Wings, including nine who made their NHL debuts. The team still made the playoffs, although it was off the back of the Grand Rapids Griffins who were able to provide quality skater to replace those out injured.

Detroit Red Wings

The current fear is that if our skaters continue to get hurt, then the good work done in pre-season will be undone.

I’m not going to predict who’ll be out next, that’s weird and besides, if I’m right then I’ll be hunted down by legions of angry Red Wings fans. We’re a superstitious bunch. What we can do though is look at what back up we’ve got should a key player have to miss a few games. In the short-term, lines can be adjusted, but if we have to call someone up from our affiliate, what are our options? These are in no particular order.

Right Wing

Zach Nastasiuk – The 2013 48^th overall draft pick has been working hard to earn a spot on the roster, and while it looks like he’ll be playing his hockey in Grand Rapids, he’s still a good option should a call-up be required.

Martin Frk – This fella could go either way, bags of potential mean he’s a candidate for being called up, but lack of consistency could see Frk passed over, or even reassigned to Toledo.

Mitch Callahan – A solid worker, Callahan is a fighter is every sense of the word and is determined to make the main roster.

Colin Campbell – Capable on either side (The Griffins list him as a right-winger) Campbell is another fighter who’ll step in to defend his teammates. He needs to work on his shooting a bit more before Coach Blashill will be dialling his number.

Centers

Dylan Larkin – Assuming he doesn’t make the roster anyway, Larkin has made a seriously strong bid for to play for the Big Team and would likely be the first choice for a call up.

Andreas Athanasiou – Another skater who has impressed in pre-season. His two goals and an assist against the Pittsburgh Penguins helped his cause and he’s so damn fast that he can cut through opposing defences.

Tomas Nosek – The young Czech is an exciting prospect who has real potential to go far in Detroit. Nosek is a solid two-way skater and has been coached previously by Jiri Fischer. Expect him to make an appearance in red this season.

Left Wing

Anthony Mantha – Eager to impress but perhaps in need of ice time in Grand Rapids, Mantha looks to be one of our best prospects.

Tyler Bertuzzi – Hard hitting and fleet-footed on the ice, Bertuzzi will be a key part of the Griffins’ season. Expect a call-up to the Red Wings if the need arises.

Eric Tangradi – Picked up after the Canadiens decided they had no room for him, Tangradi is an interesting blend of strength and skill, although that hasn’t always translated into points for him.

Defense

Xavier Ouellet – Impressive in pre-season, Ouellet played eight games for Detroit last season and was impressive. He’s not an out-and-out shooter but can get the puck forward. If need be, he’ll be the first called up.

Alexey Marchenko – Along with Ouellet, Marchenko will be playing for the Big Team soon enough, having already played in Russia’s KHL.

Nick Jensen – Scored in pre-season and more than capable of assisting any shooter. Jensen is a dependable two-way skater. He faces stiff competition if he wants to get into the top-level though.

Goalies

Tom McCollum – Already looks to be the third choice keeper (first choice is still up for grabs though). McCollum played two games for Detroit last season and looks a like a solid back-up should Howard or Mrazek be otherwise engaged.

As it stands, the Detroit Red Wings are covered well in all positions should someone have to be called up. Thanks in no small part to Coach Blashill’s prior involvement with the Grand Rapids Griffins over the past few seasons. Not only is it reassuring that we have back-ups in place, but also that there’s a good core of players eagerly waiting for the opportunity to play at the top-level of hockey.

What do you think? Who would you suggest who’s been omitted from the above list? Join in the conversation below.

Next: New Powerplay Elements Thrive

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