Defensemen
Previously, Alex predicted the defense pairings. I totally agreed with his predictions. Detroit will have to decide if they are going to keep seven or eight defensemen on the active roster. The opening night defensemen should be Nick Leddy, Marc Staal and Danny DeKeyser on the left side. The right side should be Filip Hronek, Troy Stecher and rookie Moritz Seider.
The extras appear to be recently acquired Jordan Oesterle and holdover Gustav Lindstrom. Oesterle will be the seventh defenseman to start the season. Lindstrom might be better served playing regularly in Grand Rapids (AHL).
On the outside Detroit as insurance is veteran Ryan Murphy who won the Eddie Shore Award as Top Defenseman in the AHL last season. Recently signed Dan Renouf also provides veteran depth in Grand Rapids.
Opening Night Defensemen: Nick Leddy, Marc Staal, Danny DeKeyser, Filip Hronek, Troy Stecher & Moritz Seider.
Healthy Scratch: Jordan Oesterle