MLive’s Ansar Khan has posted an estimated set of lines for the Red Wings’ 2020-2021 season roster:
First line
LW: Tyler Bertuzzi, C: Dylan Larkin, RW: Anthony Mantha
Blashill hasn’t played the team’s top three forwards together often, wanting to spread the wealth over the top two lines, but the Red Wings might have more depth now to keep the trio together for longer stretches. They have finished with a flurry in each of the past two seasons. In the final 10 games of 2019-20, the three combined for 11 goals and 22 assists.
Second line
LW: Robby Fabbri, C: Vladislav Namestnikov, RW: Bobby Ryan
The additions of Namestnikov (two years/$4 million) and Ryan (one year/$1 million) gives the Red Wings more skilled options for their top six. Namestnikov can play all three forward positions but will fill an important void as the second-line center. Ryan provides a much-needed right-handed shot up front, someone with a shooting mentality, another need for this team. Fabbri was rejuvenated last season and saw some time at center late in the year, so that remains an option.
