The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan discusses the Red Wings’ forward corps today, wrapping up a 3-part series on the Wings’ goaltending, defense and forward depth.
Kulfan calls Dylan Larkin, Andreas Athanasiou, Tyler Bertuzzi and Anthony Mantha the Wings’ “core four” up front:
They are the hope, the beacon of light as the Red Wings dwell in this current rebuild.
Young forwards Andreas Athanasiou, Tyler Bertuzzi, Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha are the foundation the Wings are building around.
All four had career-best offensive seasons, and gradually began taking over leadership of the team. If the Wings are headed anywhere this season, or in the near future, this is the core that will likely take them there.
“Can they carry a hockey team to wins? That’s a big question they’ll answer on a nightly basis next year,” coach Jeff Blashill said late last season. “It’s a heck of a responsibility. I don’t think there’s very many young players in the league that are able to carry their team. We’re going to ask that group of four up front to be a huge piece to carrying this team.”
More nonsense from our beat writers. He lists Veleno, Ras, Svech, Zadina, and Hirose. Then claims that at least TWO and maybe THREE will be on the roster this year. Sorry, but why sign Filppula and acquire Erne if all these kids are making it?
Veleno – teenager with no pro experience.
Ras – looked lost. Could benefit from AHL.
Svech – missed an entire year with injury.
Zadina – looked lost and got hurt
Hirose – his job to lose.
So that’s ONE guy. Not 2 or 3. A bunch of injuries could change things but sure wish our media did some homework.
I see all of them playing by January when injuries take down 33% of our old team. To bad they will have to play D….