The Detroit Red Wings appear to be leaning toward bringing in a skilled defenseman in either Filip Hronek or Dennis Cholowski to fill their #6 spot, but if the Wings were to choose a more physical player as their #6/7 defenseman, physical defender Joe Hicketts might fit the bill. Hockeybuzz’s Bob Duff spoke with Hicketts regarding his attempt to land a job on the Wings’ roster:
“This year there is that chance,” said Hicketts, 22, who had three assists and a plus-five rating in a five-game NHL audition last season. “Last year, you want to make an impression, but realistically, I was prepared with the contract situation and everything else going on that it was probably be another year in (AHL) Grand Rapids.
“But this year they’ve got spots open, they’re talking about getting young with guys earning jobs and I’m here with that in mind. It’s to earn a job and prove I can play a full 82-game schedule in the National Hockey League.”
Someone who’s always been reluctant to commit to a youth movement, even Detroit GM Ken Holland appears to be acknowledging that’s the direction this team must now take.
“Training camp, from my perspective, we’re going to give lots of kids an opportunity,” Holland said. “On the back end, there’s an opportunity for sure for one young defenseman to make our team. If a second one can make it then we’ll assess what we’ll do with our roster.”
What veteran sits if thats the case
Can we just put Daley and E out to pasture? Bring in Hronek and Cholow. Lets role