So, how do the Detroit Red Wings forwards stack up against one another with training camp underway? You may have a few ideas of where I ranked some players, but it wouldn't surprise me if you had questions of just what I see in others.
Well, I'm about to answer those questions so buckle up, and find out where each player lands now that we got some games on the horizon.
Rank | Player |
|---|---|
41 | John Leonard |
13 | Carter Mazur |
12 | Jonatan Berggren |
11 | Elmer Soderblom |
10 | Mason Appleton |
9 | J.T. Compher |
8 | Michael Rasmussen |
7 | James van Riemsdyk |
6 | Andrew Copp |
5 | Patrick Kane |
4 | Marco Kasper |
3 | Alex DeBrincat |
2 | Dylan Larkin |
1 | Lucas Raymond |
14 - John Leonard
Don't expect to hear John Leonard's name called much this season unless the injury bug strikes the Red Wings AND they want to leave their youngsters in Grand Rapids. He's prime organizational depth, but there's a chance he sits in the press box.
13 - Carter Mazur
A healthy camp and preseason could put Carter Mazur into a lower-liner role. But will he need to make adjustments so he's not banged up all the time? That's something to watch for not only now, but once the regular season's rolling, should he end up with the big club.
12 - Jonatan Berggren
Nobody's running outta chances faster than Jonatan Berggren, it's now or never for him this season and he should know it. If he flops early, he won't wear a Winged Wheel much longer.
11 - Elmer Soderblom
Is there anyone with more potential to earn a big time role this season? At least among those in the "top 14?" Elmer Soderblom's got a chance to muscle his way into a top-six role. He just needs a good preseason and stay healthy to make it happen.
10 - Mason Appleton
Don't expect eye-popping stats from Mason Appleton, but solid play in the defensive zone should warrant a few more chances for the Red Wings. If he gives them enough of those, look for Detroit to evolve back into that high octane club they were two seasons ago. Or, at least they'll have a chance to.
9 - J.T. Compher
I thought about ranking J.T. Compher one slot lower, but it's not like he hasn't produced in the past. That said, another slow start would get him tumbling down a list like this, especially if some of the youngsters show up.
8 - Michael Rasmussen
Some might not be as intrigued at Michael Rasmussen's play, but he gives the Red Wings a gritty edge every time he steps on the ice. This year, he should have help with James van Riemsdyk and Mason Appleton.
7 - James van Riemsdyk
Speaking of the devil, James van Riemsdyk can be the do-it-all, jack-of-all-trades leader the Red Wings need in the locker room. The latter is the only role he needs to play, and if he does, expect the entire team to respond with more urgent, edgier play.
6 - Andrew Copp
Like Michael Rasmussen, I'm a big fan of Andrew Copp. No, his numbers will never wow you and if you're purely a stats-based fan, you'll never understand why I've ranked him up here. But the Wings missed Copp after he went down with a season-ending injury, so he's more valuable than stats show.
5 - Patrick Kane
Patrick Kane's an NHL lifer, and he'll quit producing when he hangs up the skates on his terms. Some might rank him fourth, but at this point in his career, he's solid, while the top four have the potential to be great.
4 - Marco Kasper
He didn't wow the league last season, but he wowed Detroit Red Wings fans. That said, Marco Kasper's my pick to make the biggest jump of any player wearing the Winged Wheel. Get him off to a hot start, and watch the magic happen.
3 - Alex DeBrincat
Best scorer on the team? He might be. And if the Red Wings get more scoring chances, Alex DeBrincat's just getting started. But can he outperform the top two players on this list?
2 - Dylan Larkin
Dylan Larkin remains the heartbeat of the Red Wings, and when he plays a good game, so does the rest of the team. Now, the only question is: Will he take that next step, put the team on his back, and lead them to some improbable wins late in the year if Steve Yzerman doesn't send any reinforcements?
1 - Lucas Raymond
There's no real limit for Lucas Raymond this season. He enjoyed one breakout year, and then another. Will he make it three in a row? It wouldn't surprise me if he put up an additional eight-plus points annually until his prime years reach their pinnacle.