MLive’s Ansar Khan penned an article discussing the competition for jobs over the course of the exhibition season:
Ten forwards are assured of roster spots: Dylan Larkin, Anthony Mantha, Gustav Nyquist, Thomas Vanek, Justin Abdelkader, Andreas Athanasiou Darren Helm, Luke Glendening, Tyler Bertuzzi and Nielsen.
That leaves three or four open spots. Michael Rasmussen and Filip Zadina, the club’s top picks in each of the past two seasons, will have ample opportunity to win jobs. Rasmussen will play tonight on a line with center Joe Veleno, the 30th pick this year, and Abdelkader. Zadina is dealing with a groin strain and won’t play tonight but might be ready for Thursday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks. When he’s cleared, Blashill intends to play him on a line with Athanasiou and Vanek.
“Without question it’s a great opportunity for Zadina, for him to play with two guys like that and play on the power play and see how good he is,” Blashill said. “Everybody is better when you play with good players, but some guys are exponentially better. I’m hoping he’s one of those guys that because of his scoring ability is exponentially better.”
Said Nielsen: “(Zadina) has all the tools it takes to be an elite player in this league. Hopefully, he’ll be with us sooner than later. Rasmussen looks really strong so far in camp; he’s big, strong on the puck, he’s a really good player around the net.”
Martin Frk, out most of the camp with an injury, and Luke Witkowski also are competing for jobs. Evgeny Svechnikov, the top pick in 2015, will be pushing for a spot but might need an injury or two to avoid starting the season with the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Veteran Jussi Jokinen, in camp on a tryout, is trying to earn a contract.
Khan continues, discussing the situation on defense…
