3 players draw attention in second preseason game for Detroit Red Wings

As we get set for game two of the preseason, the Detroit Red Wings are up against a less-than-stellar Chicago Blackhawks roster. For reference, here is their expected lineup:

We all love Frank Nazar III, and I was a fan of Cole Guttman. Guttman was the former captain of the Denver Pioneers, while Shai Buium, Carter Mazur, and Antti Tuomisto attended the university. The Tampa Bay Lightning drafted Guttman while Steve Yzerman was still their general manager. I hoped a reunion would happen and Guttman would join his former Pioneers in the Detroit Red Wings organization, but he chose the Chicago Blackhawks. We all mistakes.

Of course, Arvid Söderblom serves as a fun match-up as well. He’s the older, shorter brother to the Detroit Red Wings own Elmer Söderblom. 

The Detroit Red Wings are set to ice the following lineup:

These are the three players I'm most excited for in the second preseason game for the Detroit Red Wings

Dancing King--Jonatan Berggren

I could watch Jonatan Berggren play hockey all day, every day, so any chance I get to watch him compete is a good time.

He puts on a show every time, regardless of the stakes of the game. Whenever he’s on the ice, he demands your attention (and usually, it’s for good reasons).

After a bumpy time in the National Hockey League (NHL) last season, Berggren is looking to regain the coach’s confidence, win fans over again, and have fun. 

Even with his witty, fun attitude, Berggren wants to win. Who can ask for more in a player? (Yeah, yeah, defense…)

Walli! That's all I got--William Wallinder

With all the talk about Simon Edvinsson and Albert Johansson, William Wallinder has gotten lost in the shuffle with fans, or so it seems.

Last season with the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate to the Detroit Red Wings, the Grand Rapids Griffins, Wallinder had an interesting season. 

At times, he pushed to be the second-best defenseman on the team. Other times, he was doing a lot of learning. 

This season, he looks to take as much ice time as he can handle. Likely he will follow in the path of Edvinsson where he’s on the ice every other shift or so. Take a breather for a minute or so and get back out there kid because the team needs you!

Wallinder is a prototypical Swedish defender. The two-way, smooth-skating defender with pops of offense. This idea isn’t meant to diminish his attributes, but give a quick perspective of what you can expect from Wallinder.

Sometimes he makes a silly play here and there, but I’d say he’s a bit more consistent than a guy like Edvinsson was at the same age. 

I’m not sure of Wallinder’s ceiling, but he has a great chance of making waves in the organization. It’s going to be fun to watch his journey.

The new kid on the block--Jakub Rychlovský

A cool kid picked the Detroit Red Wings? In this economy?

Jakub Rycholvský was a free agent who took the Czech league by storm. At only age 23, Rychlovský finished his 2023-24 campaign with 51 games played in the regular season with 26 goals and 20 points for 46 total points, 24 penalty minutes, and a +8 rating. In the playoffs, he played in nine games, scored five goals, and had two assists for seven total points along with two penalty minutes and a +2 rating.

After game one in the 2024 NHL Prospect Games in Traverse City, Michigan, I saw flashes of what Rychlovský wanted to do. I just worried the North American game might have been too much. 

He put any worries or concerns to rest in the second game. Rychlovský was definitely the most improved player from day one to day two, and he might have been my favorite overall player in game two.

The physicality didn’t put him off at all, and in some ways may have amplified his desire to be the best player he could be. 

Rychlovský wasn’t afraid to stand up for himself or make plays. A wicked shot doesn’t hurt his game, either.

Putting him on a line with Nate Danielson should only create more excitement for fans. Danielson is a responsible two-way center who has room to grow into so much more. Playing with the high skill that Rychlovský possesses should leave fans wanting more (more time left on the clock as they’ll be a lot of fun to watch play).

Who are you most looking forward to watching in game two?