Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen posted a subscriber-only article in which he examines the prospects taking part in the Red Wings’ prospect tournament who have the most to gain in terms of attempting to sway Detroit’s brass in the process of earning a roster spot with the big club at some point this season.
Allen offers a few surprise names on his list of seven possible additions:
Joe Veleno: It seems like he can play in the NHL now. The question is whether he would benefit from playing in Grand Rapids for part of this season. The other question is where he will play in Detroit? Would he replace Michael Rasmussen as the No. 3 center and Rasmussen shifts to the wing? Or would it be the other way around? We know he will be a solid NHL player. The question we need answered is how much Veleno will be able to score at the NHL level? Could he eventually be a No. 2 center or do we pencil him in as a No. 3? Veleno turns 22 this season. He’s already played 54 American Hockey League games, a full Swedish season and five NHL games.
Chase Pearson: Don’t be shocked if Pearson ends up on Detroit’s fourth line this season. But if there are no injuries in training camp, he will have to ‘wow’ coaches to make the team in training camp.
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Wyatt Newpower: With Seider already penciled in, there’s no spot on the Red Wings’ defense. But in training camp, young defenseman will be vying for the opportunity to be the call-up if there are injuries. Newpower’s positive is that he is 6-foot-4, skates well enough and competes hard.
Continued (paywall)
