The First 48: The Detroit Red Wings’ Step in the Right Direction

The Forward Group

We will see the signings impact immediately in training camp. Having added three top six forwards, The depth has been addressed.

The Red Wings brought in Andrew Copp, David Perron and Dominik Kubalik. These players can score and play with grit. The team can also play four solid lines.

Yzerman also signed two NHL capable forwards in Matt Luff and Austin Czarnik. And these signings. although they don’t seem important, could be more significant than most may think.

These two have shown they can be top AHL players that will help develop the Wings’ younger prospects on the Griffins. Additionally, they are on the cusp of being everyday NHLers as well. They will be the hungriest to earn a spot and will push players that may be on the bubble (for many different reasons) to play their best every day.

I feel that returning Red Wing players need to be at their best to ensure they are playing every night. Hopefully, we see renewed vigor with the internal competition up front with Derek Lalonde as coach. Players that will be needing to prove themselves this training camp will be (in no order) are: Zadina, Rasmussen, Sundqvist, Veleno, and Smith. The players need play up to their potential to keep a roster spot. This log-jam of forwards will cause complications and challenges for players and coaches.