Kulfan posts a ‘Meet the Wings’ article; so does Khan

The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan has posted an article-via-photo-gallery in which he breaks down the Red Wings’ roster on a player-by-player basis:

JOE HICKETTS: AGE: 22. HT: 5-8. WT: 175. STATS (Grand Rapids, AHL): 67 games, 3 goals, 9 assists, 12 points. ANALYSIS: Not the biggest player around, but few have as big a heart and play with as much passion as Hicketts. He is likely to stay on the final roster until the veteran defensemen get healthy.

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ANDREAS ATHANASIOU: AGE: 24. HT: 6-2. WT: 188. STATS: 71 games, 16 goals, 17 assists, 33 points. ANALYSIS: Given increased ice time in the preseason, Athanasiou was among the most impressive players on the roster. It’ll be interesting to watch if that carries over into the regular season

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CHRISTOFFER EHN: AGE: 22. HT: 6-3. WT: 181. STATS (Sweden): 50 games, 7 goals, 10 assists, 17 points. ANALYSIS: The surprise of training camp, Ehn displayed skating ability, defensive know-how, quickness and enough offensive talent to make the final roster.

Continued

Update: Here’s more from MLive’s Ansar Khan:

Martin Frk

Continued

Update: Kulfan also penned previews of each and every one of the NHL’s 31 teams:

DETROIT RED WINGS

Coach: Jeff Blashill.

2017-18 record: 30-39-13 (73 points, 5th)

2017-18 leaders: G-Anthony Mantha, 24; A-Dylan Larkin, 47; W-Jimmy Howard, 22

Pressure is on: C Larkin — If the Wings are going to surprise in the standings, Larkin must continue to build upon a breakthrough year last season.

Rising star: C Michael Rasmussen — Center, wing, it doesn’t matter. Rasmussen appears to have the mental makeup and physical gifts to be a fine NHL player for a long, long time.

Skinny: The loss of C Henrik Zetterberg (back) will be felt on and off the ice. The key this season is making sure the bushel full of prospects continue growing into bona fide NHL players.