Through the rebuild, the Detroit Red Wings have been stockpiling prospects and draft choices in order to expedite the return to the glory years of winning Stanley Cups, and playing in 25 consecutive playoffs.
This season, the Red Wings have added Moritz Seider, Lucas Raymond, and Joe Veleno to the roster in the hope that the younger players could improve the roster. Seider and Raymond have played above expectations as Raymond is leading the team in scoring and Seider is now the best defenseman in the organization.
The Red Wings are so loaded with prospects that as many as 10 Red Wings draftees could play in the World Junior Tournament after Christmas.
Here are five players who should be next in line for a spot on the Red Wings in 2022.
Jonatan Berggren-RW/LW
/
Age: 21
Draft: 2018, Round 2, #33 Overall
2021 Team: Grand Rapids (AHL)
2021 Stats:
GP: 15
G:
A: 6
PTS: 12
PM: 0
+/-: +3
Jonatan Berggren is in the first year of his entry-level contract with Detroit. Berggren is improving by leap and bounds every week and looks like a top prospect for the Red Wings.
He will likely get an opportunity with Detroit after the trade deadline in March. Next year, Berggren should make Detroit out of training camp and could play a middle-six role for the Red Wings.
Chase Pearson-C
/
Age: 24
Draft: 2015, Round 5, #140 Overall
2021 Team: Grand Rapids (AHL)
2021 Stats:
GP: 14
G: 3
A: 7
PTS: 10
PM: 6
+/-: -4
Chase Pearson is in the final year of his entry-level contract with Detroit. He is a RFA after this season.
Pearson plays in all situations for Grand Rapids (AHL) and looks like he could be a bottom-six center with the Red Wings next year. Pearson must play for Detroit next year or he will have to clear waivers in order to play in the AHL in 2022.
Albert Johansson-LD
#SHL Färjestad-Rögle 4-3 (SO): - Johansson 1+0, +/- 0, 2 SOG, 18:41 ice time - Wallinder 0+0, +/- 0, 12:54 ice time
Albert Johansson is currently on loan to Farjestad (SHL) after signing his entry-level contract with Detroit. Johansson is in his third season in the SHL and is playing excellent defense.
Next year, Johansson will likely make his North American debut and will be given every opportunity to make the Red Wings out of training camp.
Simon Edvinsson is unsigned with Detroit but, it’s only a matter of time before he signs his entry-level deal with the Red Wings. Edvinsson has had a terrific first full season in the SHL. He is currently one of the top defensemen in the SHL and should be added to the Swedish National Junior Team for the World Junior Tournament in December.
Next year, Edvinsson will be given every opportunity to break training camp and play on the Opening Night roster of the Red Wings.
Donovan Sebrango is in the first-year of his entry-level contract with Detroit. Last year, because his season in Kitchener (OHL) was canceled due to the pandemic, he played 31 games for Grand Rapids that did not count against his service time. At 19, Sebrango is in his second season in Grand Rapids (AHL), and he continues to develop at a terrific rate.
Sebrango should be named to the Canadian Junior Team for the World Junior Tournament in December. If he continues to develop, Sebrango will likely get an opportunity in Detroit after the trade deadline this year with the possibility of full-time employment with the Red Wings next year.
Jared McIsaac-LD
Age: 21
Draft: 2018, Round 2, #36 Overall
2021 Team: Grand Rapids (AHL)
2021 Stats:
GP: 15
G: 0
A: 3
PTS: 3
PM: 4
+/-: -7
Jared McIsaac is playing in the second year of his three-year entry-level contract. Shoulder injuries have delayed McIsaac’s development and he continues to try and play catch-up as he has only played just over 50 games during the last three years.
McIsaac needs to stay healthy so that he can avoid being surpassed by other defensemen in the Detroit organization. If McIsaac stays healthy, he should push for a spot on the Red Wings blueline in 2022 or 2023.
Elmer Soderblom-LW
Elmer Söderblom was on fire yesterday with two nifty goals and almost a third in Frölunda's CHL game against Mannheim. #LGRWpic.twitter.com/0VcjVfa6gi
Elmer Soderblom is unsigned with the Red Wings. Soderblom continues to have an excellent season playing in the SHL. Since being drafted by Detroit, Soderblom has played three years developing in the Frolunda organization.
Expect Soderblom to sign his entry-level contract next summer. Next year, Soderblom will be given a chance to play in either Detroit or Grand Rapids (AHL).
William Wallinder is unsigned with the Red Wings. This year, Wallinder has split his time between the SHL and the J20 Nationell. In junior, Wallinder has played seven games and has earned one goal and four points with a +8 rating. Wallinder has also played six games for the Swedish Junior National team collecting three assists.
Wallinder should be selected to play for Sweden in the World Junior Tournament in December. Since being drafted by Detroit, Wallinder has spent two years developing in Sweden. Next year, Wallinder is expected to sign his entry-level contract with Detroit and possibly make the move to play in North America.
