The Free Press’s Helene St. James penned an article discussing items for Red Wings fans to be grateful for this Christmas morning, hearkening to the past, and then examining the Wings’ present and future:
The World Juniors offers an opportunity to get an eyeful of players eligible for the 2021 draft. While the changes made by Yzerman should make the Wings more competitive this season, they still project to finish near the bottom of the standings and, in turn, be in the draft lottery again. Wings assistant general manager Ryan Martin is at the event.
Michigan forward Matthew Beniers (USA) is one of the higher-end prospects at the tournament. Michigan did not, however, release defenseman Owen Power to Hockey Canada. (Because of travel restrictions between the U.S. and Canada, Power would have had to quarantine in Canada for two weeks before the start of Canada’s camp.) Forward Aatu Räty, was left off Finland’s roster, and Sweden left behind forward William Eklund after he tested positive for COVD-19 and cut defenseman Simon Edvinsson.
Closer to home, the rebuild looks like it will get a boost from recent draft picks as soon as the autumn. Defenseman Moritz Seider (sixth, 2019) has 12 points in 19 games for Rögle in the Swedish Hockey League; it’sthe 19-year-old’s third season in a men’s league. Forward Jonatan Berggren (33rd, 2018) has 24 points in 23 games with Skellefteå. Raymond has 12 points in 22 games with Frölunda. All project to make the Wings’ future better and brighter.
I knew I shouldn’t read HSJ on Christmas Day or anyday for that matter. Coal for her!!!