Red Wings 2021 Opening Night Roster Prediction 2.0

Apr 15, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings left wing Jakub Vrana (15) celebrates his goal on Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Kevin Lankinen (32) during the second period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings left wing Jakub Vrana (15) celebrates his goal on Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Kevin Lankinen (32) during the second period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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The main training camp of the Detroit Red Wings is underway and it appears that there are more bodies than roster spots.  Several players have been added to the training camp roster and will undoubtedly challenge for a spot on the opening night roster.

The Red Wings appear to be deeper, more skilled, and younger than previous seasons where the team missed the playoffs.  This team doesn’t appear to be playoff bound, but the team seems to be on the right path of improving towards the goal of challenging for a Stanley Cup.

Here is version 2.0 of the opening night roster for the Detroit Red Wings.

Centers

The center position has remained similar throughout most of the summer.  Dylan Larkin is poised to have a rebound year.  Red Wings fans look forward to watching sophomore Pius Suter in  a Detroit uniform.  Michael Rasmussen will most likely play center on the third line.  Mitchell Stephens will most likely center the fourth line.

The only way Joe Veleno makes the Red Wings is if Detroit moves Rasmussen to left wing, and I don’t see that happening to start the year.  Veleno needs to play important minutes and he didn’t show enough to garner that ice time during the Prospects Tournament.

Opening Night Centers: Dylan Larkin, Pius Suter, Michael Rasmussen & Mitchell Stephens