Red Wings: Projecting the Defensive Pairings for 2021-22 Season

Leddy – Seider

The newest pairing for the Red Wings will also be the most exciting.

Moritz Seider has been in the organization for a few years now, selected 6th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft. However, this season will be Seider’s first on the main roster. His first season after the draft was spent in Grand Rapids, where he notched two goals and 22 assists in 49 games. With Covid-19-realted uncertainty over 2020-21 season, Detroit decided to loan the young German defenseman over to Rogle BK in the Swedish Hockey League. That decision turned out to be a fantastic one, as Seider had a breakout season in the SHL. Seider left a wake of crushed players on his path to SHL defenseman of the year, finally utilizing that speed and 6-foot-4 frame to blow opponents away. Seider also unlocked his offensive potential in Sweden, as he scored seven goals and 21 assists in 41 games.

Nick Leddy is the newest addition to the Yzerman’s rebuild, acquired from the New York Islanders in exchange for a second round draft pack. While he isn’t quite the player he once was, Leddy is a puck-moving vet that will act as an important addition to Detroit’s blue line.

Perhaps his most important duty? Guiding Seider as he transitions into the NHL. While not an exact match, Leddy’s playstyle is somewhat similar to Seider’s; he’ll play a key role in molding the young defenseman’s play in the best hockey league in the world.

Seider might not get quite as many minutes as Leddy, but the two are almost certain to be a pairing. Although they might be listed as the bottom-pair on the projected lines, the two might be the best duo in Detroit this year. The duo will certainly be the biggest offensive threat on the blue line, especially on the power play.

Things could change by opening day, but for now, Leddy-Seider just makes too much sense. Keep an eye on this pairing, as it might be the most intriguing storyline out of Detroit this season – the aging veteran and the up-and-coming star.