Defensemen
This is the deepest defense core Detroit has had in many years. Steve Yzerman has indicated that the Red Wings will carry eight defensemen to start the season.
The top defense pairing should be newly acquired Nick Leddy with rookie Moritz Seider. The second pair should be veteran Danny DeKeyser playing with Filip Hronek. The third pairing should be re-signed Marc Staal with Troy Stecher.
The signing of UFA Jordan Oesterle, who has played the last three seasons in Arizona, and the re-signing of RFA Gustav Lindstrom, solidifies the defense for the Red Wings. Oesterle is signed to a one-way contract for the next two years. He is a solid depth defenseman who will play numerous games for the Red Wings over the course of the year.
Lindstrom will turn 23 just after opening night and should be an extra defenseman with Oesterle to start the year.
Opening Night Defensemen: Nick Leddy, Marc Staal, Danny DeKeyser, Filip Hronek, Troy Stecher, and Moritz Seider.
Healthy Scratch: Jordan Oesterle and Gustav Lindstrom