This morning, MLive’s Ansar Khan makes an estimate as to what lines the Red Wings will hit the ice with in October. We’ll take a look at his estimated second and third forward lines:
2: Jakub Vrana-Pius Suter-Robby Fabbri
The Red Wings are eager to see what Vrana can do over a full season after collecting eight goals and 11 points in 11 games following a trade with Washington. They hope Suter can solidify the second-line center spot after picking up 14 goals as a 25-year-old rookie with Chicago. Fabbri was limited to 30 games due to COVID at the start and a concussion in the end but was productive (10 goals, 18 points).
3: Vladislav Namestnikov-Michael Rasmussen-Sam Gagner
Rasmussen was one of their most-improved players, though it didn’t reflect in his production (three goals, 12 points in 40 games). The Red Wings see him as a shut-down type center and a net-front presence on the power play. Gagner might be the only right-handed shooter on the top three lines and the lone righty forward on the power play. Namestnikov struggled last season, producing only eight goals (five empty-netters) and 17 points.
In what fantasy world is Greiss the #1?
Please NO!! I am hesitant to view him as a competent backup!
1A or 1B? Or just hope he is #2? No pun intended there. Greiss had some good stats on the Island for 5 years with 2 dang good and 1 sub par year. Last year his save % was still good and at his career average. So his early performance was down some but his last 10 games were good. I don’t think he was that bad over all and much could be blamed on a poor defense.
Stevie is generally given much credit for player evaluation and he didn’t try to get rid of Greiss nor retain Bernie so I see that as a p!us for him as well. Which leads me to think more highly of him. Hopefully an improved defensive corps will allow both Greiss and Neds to shine.