Reviewing the Detroit Red Wings blueliners of 2022 predicting 2023
By Steven Shaw
Prospect Watch for the Detroit Red Wings blueline.
There are unlikely to be any of the prospects called up this season. Even if Määttä, Robert Hagg, Gustav Lindstrom, or Jordan Oesterle are traded before the deadline, there will likely be a veteran call-up. Brian Lashoff, Steve Kampfer, or Mark Pysyk are the likely replacements rather than a prospect.
The Red Wings have six blue-chip defensemen in development. None of them are ready for a regular shift with the big team. However, a brief stint is possible. Two of these six will likely start with the Red Wings in the fall of 2023.
Donovan Sebrango has split time between Grand Rapids and Toledo this season. He continues to develop a solid all-around game. Yet, he has not established himself as a dominant or regular AHL player.
Eemil Viro has also split time between Grand Rapids and Toledo this season. He is gaining confidence and is improving his defensive coverage. Most importantly, his decision-making is improving. This is helping him put his strong skating to use to play a faster game.
Simon Edvinsson is developing his defensive zone play, coverage, and rink awareness. He has 10 points in 20 games for Grand Rapids. This is impressive output for a player in the AHL to focus primarily on his defense. He is not ready for the call-up to the big team. Yet, at this rate of improvement, he will likely be ready for the 2023-2024 season.
Jared McIsaac is still a strong skating and tough prospect. Although his development was delayed with injury, he is at the point when the Red Wings will need to make a decision about his future in 2023.
Albert Johansson is developing quickly. He looked somewhat lost early in the season, especially in center ice. His ice time is increasing, and so is his confidence. Like Edvinsson, he is not NHL-ready yet but should be sometime in the 2023-2024 season.
William Wallinder is playing exceptionally well as the number-one defenseman for Rogle in the SHL. He is improving rapidly. He will almost certainly come to North America next year and play for Grand Rapids.