Right Wingers
Lucas Raymond
Age: 19
2021 Team: Frolunda (SHL)
GP: 34
G: 6
A: 12
PTS: 18
2021-22 Contract: $925,000 (NHL), $80,000 (AHL)
Lucas Raymond was the 4th overall selection in 2020. He will be making his North American debut this year after playing in the Frolunda organization since 2014. If Raymond does not make Detroit out of training camp, he will play big minutes for the Griffins as he adjusts to the smaller ice surface. Raymond should be a regular in Detroit by the end of the year.
Riley Barber
Age: 27
2021 Team: Grand Rapids (AHL)
GP: 32
G: 20
A: 14
PTS: 34
2021-22 Contract: $800,000 (NHL), $275,000 (AHL)
Riley Barber was originally drafted by Washington in round six of the NHL draft in 2012. He is entering his 7th season in the AHL and second with Grand Rapids. He has scored 251 points in 315 AHL games. He is a terrific veteran presence and power forward in the Griffins lineup.
Jonathon Martin
Age: 26
2021 Team: Lausitzer Fuchse (DEL2)
GP: 37
G: 11
A: 13
PTS: 24
2021-22 Contract: Standard (AHL)
Jonathon Martin was an undrafted forward who played fours seasons for Kootenay and Swift Current (WHL). He was the captain in Swift Current during his final season when he scored 69 points in 66 games. After playing one year in Germany, Martin is returning to play his 6th season in the AHL. During his AHL career, Martin has scored 62 points in 200 games. He is a nice addition and adds depth to the Griffins forward roster.
Luke Witkowski
Age: 31
2021 Team: Syracuse (AHL)
GP: 14
G: 0
A: 2
PTS: 2
2021-22 Contract: $750,000 (NHL), $250,000 (AHL)
Luke Witkowski returns to the Detroit organization after playing for and being the captain for two seasons in Syracuse (AHL). He is versatile as he can play on the wing or on defense. During his career, Witkowski has scored 47 points in 261 AHL regular season games and 13 points in 131 NHL games. Witkowski will provide veteran leadership and grit to the young Griffins team.
Final Thoughts
Most AHL rosters are a mix of NHL draft picks and veterans trying to continue their professional careers. This Grand Rapids roster will be comprised of at least seven Detroit Red Wings draft picks from recent drafts with a majority of the roster being free agent signings. Players like Joe Veleno, Jonatan Berggren and Lucas Raymond could play their way directly to Detroit if they have exceptional training camps.
A decision on where Donovan Sebrango will play next year will depend on an agreement between the AHL and CHL. Sebrango played a full year in the AHL last year as an 18 year old after his OHL season with Kitchener was canceled. He may be allowed to play once again in the AHL or he may end up back in Kitchener. All signs point to this outcome but it still hasn’t been fully confirmed.
I will keep updating this roster as the season approaches and we get a clearer picture of the Detroit and Grand Rapids rosters.