MLive’s Ansar Khan attempts to determine what the Red Wings’ forward lines might look like when the 2022-2023 regular season begins.
Khan notes that the Red Wings have more players than they presently need, assuming that they start the season with the 13 forwards currently signed (and Robby Fabbri on injured reserve):
The Detroit Red Wings, following Steve Yzerman’s free-agent signing spree, have a crowded roster, more NHL players than they can fit under the 23-man limit. That’s even with Robby Fabbri (ACL surgery) and Jake Walman (shoulder surgery) starting the season on injured reserve.
Yzerman might need to pare down the roster with a trade. A couple of players with NHL experience might be waived. A couple more who are waiver-exempt will be hard-pressed to make the season-opening roster.
It’s a good problem for new head coach Derek Lalonde. He inherits a deeper roster than his predecessor, Jeff Blashill, and will have several options for line combinations and defense pairings.
Injuries out of training camp and the preseason always play a factor. But here is a projection of what Lalonde’s forward lines might look like when the Red Wings open the season Oct. 14 against the Montreal Canadiens at Little Caesars Arena:
Continued (dig in)…
