The Free Press’s Helene St. James wrote a subscriber-only article regarding the Red Wings’ power play, discussing the individuals who might make the Wings’ special teams work:
Dylan Larkin and Tyler Bertuzzi haven’t appeared yet in exhibition season, but Blashill said they’re cleared for contact (Larkin suffered a neck injury in April; Bertuzzi hasn’t played since January and underwent back surgery in April) and that “we’d like to get those guys in a game here soon.”
That’s two spots accounted for. There’s also Pius Suter (a newcomer who looked dangerous on his unit Thursday), Robby Fabbri, Filip Zadina and Sam Gagner. Presuming he earns a contract, add Bobby Ryan. (That’s all the more likely with Jakub Vrana sidelined at least through January because of shoulder surgery.)
Michael Rasmussen, Adam Erne and Givani Smith are candidates for the net-front spots. Lucas Raymond and Joe Veleno, recent first-round draft picks, skated with the Grand Rapids group Friday, a sign that’s where they are likely to start the season.
In addition to Leddy and Seider, Filip Hronek has run a power-play unit, but Blashill indicated Hronek may not play the point.
“At some point we’ll try Hronek on the flank, where he shoots the one timer,” Blashill said. “So we could have a unit with two D, potentially.”
Defenseman Jordan Oesterle is also slated to get a look running a unit.
St. James continues (paywall), discussing the importance of “sorting out” the power play before the regular season begins because it was so terrible last season.
