Red Wings Add Carter Rowney to Crowded Forward Group

The Detroit Red Wings have added more depth to the forwards with the addition of veteran defensive specialist Carter Rowney.  Rowney was an UFA and signed a one year deal with a cap hit of $825,000 for the upcoming season.  If Rowney fails to make the Red Wings, he will still be paid his NHL salary to start the season.

Rowney’s NHL Career

In 2016-17, Rowney started his NHL career with Pittsburgh.  In his rookie season, Rowney won a Stanley Cup and played in 20 playoff games recording three assists. He has played two seasons in Pittsburgh and the last three seasons in Anaheim.  In his career, Rowney has played 223 regular season games and has recorded 57 points.

Why Sign Rowney?

With the loss of Luke Glendenning and Bobby Ryan, the Red Wings were in need of a veteran who shoots right and can play multiple positions.  Carter Rowney can play center or right wing.  He is expected to play as the 13th forward on the Red Wings to start the season.

Implications of this Signing

This signing has multiple implications on the forward lines.  It is almost a guaranteed that Joe Veleno starts the season as the #1 center in Grand Rapids (AHL).  He will most likely play on a line with Lucas Raymond and Jonatan Berggren.

Once Givani Smith is signed, Detroit will have 13 forwards penciled into their lineup.

At center is Dylan Larkin, Pius Suter, Michael Rasmussen, and Mitchell Stephens.

Larkin will most likely start the season with Tyler Bertuzzi and Jakub Vrana on the first line.  The second line should have Suter at center between Filip Zadina and Robbie Fabbri.  Rasmussen will center the third line between Vladislav Namestnikov and Sam Gagner.  Stephens will center a high energy fourth line with Smith and Adam Erne.  Newly signed Rowney will play in the bottom six, filling in at center or right wing.

Trade Deadline Possibilities

The opening night roster will have at least nine UFA’s next summer.  Expect some of these players to be traded for draft picks prior to the trade deadline.

At forward, Fabbri, Namestnikov, Gagner and Rowney are all UFA’s.  On defense, Nick Leddy, Danny DeKeyser, Marc Staal and Troy Stecher are all UFA’s. Goaltender Thomas Greiss will also become an UFA at the end of the season.

Final Thoughts

Going into the final weeks of summer, the Red Wings lineup is almost set.  Many of Detroit’s prospects will start the season playing in the AHL.  With numerous trades expected throughout the season, expect the top line in Grand Rapids to be moved into the Red Wings lineup as UFA’s are moved out.  Does General Manager Steve Yzerman have any more moves to make prior to training camp?  Stay tuned!!!