Left Wingers
Many of the wingers in Detroit can play either wing. I am going to divide all wingers into where I think they will play with certain line combinations.
Recently signed Tyler Bertuzzi will lead the way on the left side. Robby Fabbri, Vladislav Namestnikov and Adam Erne will also be on the opening night roster.
This leaves Taro Hirose and Jonatan Berggren on the outside looking in. At this time, I think it’s best for both Berggren to start the season in Grand Rapids (AHL). He can play important minutes and receive time on the power play. Berggren will need some time to adapt to the smaller North American ice.
Hirose doesn’t have anything else to prove at the AHL level. He scored 28 points in 29 games playing for Grand Rapids (AHL) last year and seems destined to play for Detroit as the 13th forward. Hirose can also play the power play when needed.
Opening Night Left Wingers: Tyler Bertuzzi, Robby Fabbri, Vladislav Namestnikov & Adam Erne
Healthy Scratch: Taro Hirose, Frans Nielsen