The Detroit Red Wings preseason's almost underway, and with it comes a slew of storylines. And I can sit here and write a full-length novel about how much we can discuss here, but you probably won't have eight-plus hours to read it.
So, I thought I'd narrow that number to three surefire storylines you can expect the fanbase to keep an eye on. One of them may've gotten closer to an answer this past weekend, and it'll be the first one we discuss on our docket.
As for the other two? We're talking about prospects and who that unlucky player dropping to the American league could be.
1 - Who's winning a spot on the top six?
After an epic performance in the Red & White Game, Elmer Soderblom may have a leg up on the competition. But Soderblom's gotta show consistency throughout the preseason if he wants the job badly enough.
Jonatan Berggren could be next in line. And he's someone guaranteed to play his heart out as the preseason picks up steam. Think of Berggren as the Red Wings 'last chance player,' and one who knows he needs to take it a notch higher than even guys putting in 110 percent. He should be in desperation mode.
There could even be an outside chance James van Riemsdyk ends up with the job if the Wings go the veteran route. But, as I noted last week, that could be a risk and a half.
2 - Which prospects will get a long look?
One of the more obvious questions out there, but one that it goes without saying fans will ask. My take? Pay attention to the guys who stood out during the Showcase, and have experience playing hockey in North America.
Amadeus Lombardi, Emmitt Finnie, and Shai Buium should all be in line. But don't forget about Nate Danielson. As for Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard? I'm not ruling out a long look, but seasoning in Grand Rapids is Priority No. 1 here.
And who knows? Maybe we'll see some surprises? Will someone rise up and threaten a fourth line/energy role? Questions like these always make it worth watching preseason games.
3 - Will the Red Wings bury any contracts?
I should've just used Justin Holl's name here, since he was the first player who came to my mind. And the answer to this is: If a player like Holl, somehow, proves he belongs in Hockeytown and not wasting away in Grand Rapids, then the answer is no, the Red Wings won't bury his contract.
But if you're still a team in transition, then give the youngster, Jacob Bernard-Docker, every chance you can for him to win a spot on the bottom pairing. Holl is, at best, a stopgap, but Bernard-Docker can give you a good three to five years if he starts proving he belongs in a full-time role.
Still, with Travis Hamonic, Erik Gustafsson, and Holl in town, there's a good chance someone's heading to the American league if Bernard-Docker shows up.