The Red Wings have 10 NHL veteran defensemen under contract for the upcoming season, and 11 potential blueliners if you count super-prospect Simon Edvinsson. The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan posted something of an audit of the Red Wings’ defensive corps this evening, and here’s what he has to say about the brightest lights:
► Simon Edvinsson: Edvinsson plays the left side, and has the athleticism and skating ability that could be immediately NHL caliber. Edvinsson (6-foot-6) can transport the puck, has a big shot, creates offense, and doesn’t shy away from physicality. There’s no question Edvinsson is an exciting prospect.
► Filip Hronek: There was growing speculation Hronek was going to be trade bait, but that didn’t happen. So, Hronek (right side) heads into camp looking to reverse what was an inconsistent season. Hronek’s defense continues to be a question mark, with his decision-making still an issue.
► Moritz Seider: After an award-winning rookie season, it’ll be interesting to see how far Seider takes his game. Seider said he watched Colorado’s Cale Makar during the playoffs, watching how Makar controlled the puck and navigated the blue line. Chiarot, for one, is excited about having Seider on his side. “He’s an impressive young defenseman,” [Ben] Chiarot said. “Plays physical, which you don’t see a ton of any more with young guys coming in. He doesn’t back down out there. I look forward to getting out there with him.”
► Jake Walman: Walman made a favorable impression after arriving from St. Louis at the trade deadline, but offseason shoulder surgery will keep Walman out of the lineup to start the season. Inconsistency has plagued Walman in his young career, and he’ll battle for playing time on the right-side once he returns. Walman has great skating skills, and has a dangerous shot.
Continued (paywall)…
