Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen posted a behind-the-paywall article discussing five big questions that will be answered over the course of the Red Wings’ training camp and the exhibition season:
3. Could Jonatan Berggren be more NHL-ready than Lucas Raymond? Absolutely. He’s 21 and Raymond is 19. Raymond has more long-term potential. But counting playoffs, Berggren has more than 100 games of experience in the Swedish Elite League. Berggren finished seventh in the league scoring race last season. It wouldn’t be surprising if he makes the Red Wings coming out of training camp and Raymond is sent for more seasoning.
4. Why did the Red Wings re-sign Sam Gagner? Right-hand shot. Experienced forward. High character. Skilled role player. He will be the only forward who is over 30. Coaches appreciate his attitude. The Red Wings know what they are getting.
5. Should the Red Wings extend Robby Fabbri? Depends on his ask. Fabbri has showed himself to be a productive player, but also has had trouble staying healthy. Since he entered the league, he has been able to play 66.38% of his team’s games. Unlucky. He can be an unrestricted free agent next summer. But GM Steve Yzerman seems comfortable pushing contract decisions down the road to give him more time to determine how the player fits. Fabbri is 25. He can be part of this rebuild.
Continued (paywall)
