Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen offers a prospective opening-night roster after noting that the Wings are in something of a jam, probably on purpose:
The Detroit Red Wings’ signing of five free agents on Wednesday and another today should improve the lineup. But it also makes it more challenging for rookies Elmer Soderstrom, Jonatan Berggren or Albert Johansson to make the roster this season.
Even Joe Veleno will be fighting for a job.
New coach Derek Lalonde is looking at roster that already has 14 forwards. That does included injured Robbie Fabbri and restricted free agent Filip Zadina. However, it doesn’t include the rookies or Joe Veleno who is waiver exempt. After the Red Wings signed 30-year-old veteran Mark Pysyk today, Lalonde has nine defensemen. That includes Steven Kampfer, who might move up and down from Grand Rapids this season, plus restricted free agent Jake Walman.
It doesn’t include rookie Simon Edvinsson who should make the team. The Red Wings are as excited about him as they were about Moritz Seider.
But GM Steve Yzerman also may not be done making changes. Yzerman has explored trade options during this offseason. He $10,296,000 million in cap space remaining. We could see more players coming and going.
