Red Wings 2021 Final Opening Night Roster Prediction
By Chris Giles
Preseason games are now over and the management of the Detroit Red Wings have several important decisions to make. There are a number of ways that General Manager Steve Yzerman and his team can go.
Should the best players make the team out of training camp? Should the team send all waiver exempt players to Grand Rapids (AHL). Should some veterans who played poorly in the preseason be sent through waivers with the possibility of being claimed by another organization?
I believe that they best players should be kept on the opening night roster, and if a player has not earned a roster spot, they should be sent to the AHL or placed through waivers.
Here is my final roster prediction before opening night rosters are revealed.
Centers
The top two centers are easy, Dylan Larkin and Pius Suter provide the 1-2 depth that has been lacking for several years.
Joe Veleno continues to improve every game and should slot in as the center for the third line. During preseason, Veleno played in all situations and is probably the best center at taking faceoffs.
Mitchell Stephens has played admirably throughout the preseason and deserves to be on the opening night roster. He provides speed and occasionally adds offensive production that was sorely missed last year.
Carter Rowney is in the bottom six mix and should play in plenty of games once the season begins. He will start opening night as a healthy scratch.
Michael Rasmussen has been nursing a minor injury and should start the season on Injured Reserve (IR).
Opening Night Centers: Dylan Larkin, Pius Suter, Joe Veleno, Mitchell Stephens
Healthy Scratch: Carter Rowney
IR: Michael Rasmussen