Detroit Red Wings: Analyzing Every Center in the Organization
By Chris Giles
Dylan Larkin
Age: 24
GP: 44
G: 9
A: 14
PTS: 23
Dylan Larkin was named the captain of the Detroit Red Wings prior to the start of the shortened 2021 campaign. He had another difficult season where he earned career lows in goals, assists and points. Larkin finished the year with a significant neck injury, but should be healthy to start next season. He has two years remaining on his current contract before becoming an UFA.
Michael Rasmussen
Age: 22
GP: 40
G: 3
A: 9
PTS: 12
Michael Rasmussen was drafted 9th overall in the first round in 2017. He started this season playing for Graz99ers (ICEHL) where he scored 16 points in 18 games. He then then scored six points in seven games playing for Grand Rapids (AHL). Rasmussen just completed his entry-level contract and is an RFA. Head Coach Jeff Blashill thinks that Rasmussen improved more than any other young player during the shortened season. Rasmussen will be counted on heavily to play a middle-six center position for Detroit as the team moves forward with the rebuild.
Joe Veleno
Age: 21
GP: 5
G: 1
A: 0
PTS: 1
Joe Veleno is the only player coming out of the QMJHL that was given exceptional player status as a junior player. Therefore, Veleno joined the Grand Rapids Griffins at 19 years of age. He was drafted as Detroit’s second first round selection in 2018 at pick #30. Veleno recently played a full year for Malmo (SHL) scoring 20 points in 46 games. He scored three points in four games for Grand Rapids prior to making his NHL debut in Detroit. Veleno should be a full-time center for Detroit next year.
Vladislav Namestnikov
Age: 28
GP: 53
G: 8
A: 9
PTS: 17
Vladislav Namestnikov just completed his first season in Detroit. A veteran of nine NHL seasons, Namestnikov is a versatile forward who can play anywhere in the lineup. He has one season remaining before he becomes an UFA for the second time. Namestnikov may be a casualty to the Seattle Expansion Draft if general manager Steve Yzerman decides to leave him off the protected list.
Frans Nielsen
Age: 37
GP: 29
G: 1
A: 5
PTS: 6
Frans Nielsen just completed his 16th season in the NHL. He was a healthy scratch numerous times during the past season. Despite the fact that he has one year remaining on his contract, Nielsen’s days in Detroit and the NHL appear to be over. If he is not selected by Seattle in the Expansion Draft, expect Detroit to buy out the last year of his contract.
Valtteri Filppula
Age: 37
GP: 38
G: 6
A: 9
PTS: 15
Valtteri Filppula just completed his 16th season in the NHL. He is a UFA and it appears that he will retire from the NHL.
Luke Glendening
Age: 32
GP: 54
G: 6
A: 9
PTS: 15
Luke Glendening was a magician in the faceoff circle last season. The free agent signee out of the University of Michigan just completed his 8th NHL season, all with Detroit. He is a UFA and may sign back with Detroit after the Expansion Draft.