MLive’s Ansar Khan has posted a set of questions facing the Red Wings going into training camp on Thursday here at Centre ICE Arena in Traverse City. Among them:
What do Lucas Raymond and/or Jonatan Berggren need to show to earn an NHL roster spot out of camp?
The Red Wings lack skill and scoring ability, elements the two wingers bring from Sweden as they transition to the North American game. They need to produce in camp scrimmages and preseason games while showing they won’t be defensive liabilities.
The team’s top six projects to consist of Larkin, Bertuzzi, Filip Zadina, Jakub Vrana, Pius Suter and Robby Fabbri. For Raymond, the No. 4 pick in 2020, and/or Berggren, the 33rd selection in 2018, their best opportunity is to beat out a veteran like Vladislav Namestnikov or Sam Gagner on the third line. Bobby Ryan, who’ll be in camp on a tryout, could also figure in the mix. Raymond and Berggren will not play on the fourth line. Young, waiver-exempt players need to be playing decent minutes to remain on the Red Wings roster; otherwise, they will be sent to the Grand Rapids Griffins for further development.
Does Moritz Seider have a roster spot locked up?
More than likely, as further evidenced by his exclusion from the Prospects Tournament, but the organization will want to see him earn it in camp. Seider, 20, flourished last season with Rogle BK, being named the top defenseman in the Swedish Hockey League, and also earned top D-man honors at the World Championship, helping Germany reach the final four.
The big, righthanded shooter (6-3, 207) will be paired with a veteran left-shooter, likely Nick Leddy or Marc Staal. He likely will be used on the penalty kill but probably not on the power play right away.
