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Detroit Red Wings: Expectations for Every Player at Training Camp

By Chris Giles

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - APRIL 24: Dennis Cholowski #21 of the Detroit Red Wings celebrates his first period goal with Michael Rasmussen #27 and Richard Panik #24 while playing the Dallas Stars at Little Caesars Arena on April 24, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - APRIL 24: Dennis Cholowski #21 of the Detroit Red Wings celebrates his first period goal with Michael Rasmussen #27 and Richard Panik #24 while playing the Dallas Stars at Little Caesars Arena on April 24, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Bound for Detroit

FORWARDS (13)

  • Filip Zadina (RW/LW): Zadina will be 22 this November and the time is now to follow through and become the offensive force predicted when he was drafted.  The highly skilled winger is due for a breakout season.
  • Robby Fabbri (C/W): Fabbri has been a pleasant surprise since he was traded from St. Louis.  He becomes an UFA next summer and needs to have a big year if he wants to help out the Red Wings through the re-build.
  • Jakub Vrana (LW/RW): Vrana was the cornerstone of the trade for Anthony Mantha.  Vrana sustained a shoulder injury on Saturday.  When healthy, he is expected to lead the Red Wings offensively during his first full season in Detroit.
  • Mitchell Stephens (C): Stephens is a bottom-six center who will provide Detroit with depth.  Stephens, 24, was acquired from Tampa Bay for a 6th round selection in 2022.
  • Pius Suter (C/LW): The 25-year-old Suter also provides depth at center.  He should slot into a top-six role with the Red Wings as he enters his second season in the NHL.
  • Michael Rasmussen (C/LW): Rasmussen continues to improve and add youth to an already young lineup.  Rasmussen needs to add more offense to his game this year.
  • Carter Rowney (C/RW): Acquired from Anaheim, Rowney, 32, provides the Red Wings with a veteran presence on a youthful forward group.
  • Givani Smith (RW/LW): Smith, 23, should get his first chance at playing in Detroit full-time this year.  The former 2nd round selection in 2016 showed flashes of brilliance in a limited role last year.
  • Tyler Bertuzzi (LW/RW): Coming back from injury, Bertuzzi is expected to play an important role with the Red Wings, but will forfeit salary when the team plays nine games in Canada this year.
  • Dylan Larkin (C): Also coming back from injury, Larkin needs to come back strong this year or risk not being a part of the Red Wings re-build.  Larkin has two years remaining on his current contract before he can become an UFA.
  • Adam Erne (LW/RW): Erne, 26, was a nice surprise offensively last year. His 11 goals led the team and earned him a two-year contract extension to stay in Detroit.
  • Sam Gagner (C/RW): Gagner, 32,  continues to sign one-year deals in order to stay in Detroit.  He can play multiple positions and can play any situation in the lineup.
  • Vladislav Namestnikov (C/W): Namestnikov is in a make or break year with the Red Wings.  More was expected of Namestnikov during his first year in Detroit and he will become an UFA at the end of this season.

Defensemen (8)

  • Nick Leddy (LD): Leddy was brought in to mentor Moritz Seider.  The duo are expected to be the top pairing on a newly re-built blueline.  Leddy is an UFA after this season.
  • Filip Hronek (RD): The additions of Leddy and Seider will take some of the pressure off of Hronek.  Expect Hronek to continue to quarterback the power play.
  • Marc Staal (LD): Re-signed to a one year contract, Staal, 34, provides veteran leadership to a young defense core.
  • Gustav Lindstrom (RD): The almost 23-year-old Lindstrom will be given every opportunity to play a bottom pair role with Detroit.  He recently signed a two-year deal where his AHL salary is higher than his NHL deal.  He provides depth at the NHL level and will remain with the Red Wings to start the year.
  • Moritz Seider (RD): Expected to play top minutes as a rookie, Seider looks like the steal of the 2019 draft.
  • Danny DeKeyser (LD): Entering his final year before becoming an UFA, DeKeyser is now one year removed from major back surgery.  He should still be able to provide stability on defense for the Red Wings.
  • Troy Stecher (RD): Stecher, 27, also becomes an UFA next summer.  Another strong season should allow Stecher to secure another NHL contract to play a bottom-pair role in the NHL.
  • Jordan Oesterle (LD): Oesterle was signed to a cap-friendly two-year contract to move from Arizona and play for his hometown team in Detroit.  Oesterle, 29, adds depth on the left side.

GOALTENDERS (2)

  • Thomas Greiss: Greiss returns for his second season in Detroit.  He becomes an UFA next summer, and at 35, needs to have a big year if he wants to return to the NHL next year.
  • Alex Nedeljkovic: The Calder Trophy is within grasp again this year for newly acquired Nedeljkovic.  He will provide youth to the goaltending position after signing a two-year deal to play in Detroit.
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