The Hockey News has launched a website which projects lineups for every NHL team, run by Tim Hiebert of @NHL_Rosters fame on Twitter, so the Hockey News’s Connor Eargood offered an analysis of his own Wings’ projected starting lineup for the 2024-2025 season…
And I thought that Eargood’s take on restricted free agent forward Jonatan Berggren’s status on the team was worth noting:
As a note, I do believe a roster spot could open up depending on how Berggren performs next season. He was limited to just 12 games last season, spending some of those glued to the bench due to his defensive lapses. Next season will be key for Berggren to prove his long term future with Detroit. He’s going to have to prove he can perform outside of a cushy top six spot, including that he can play sound defense. If he can’t give the Red Wings what they need, it would not be surprising to see him hit the trade rumor mill once again like he did last season. Depending on the action or inaction on any such rumors, this could create a roster spot for one of the Mazur-Kasper-Danielson trio.
I can’t disagree here. Berggren does face a make-or-break season with the Red Wings ahead, and he’s probably going to be penciled in on the 4th line with Joe Veleno and Christian Fischer to start this upcoming season, barring injuries or preseason performances.
At this point, I would argue that if Berggren is either pushed out, traded or waived, Carter Mazur has the best chance of making the team out out of camp/the exhibition season as he doesn’t need to play in the Red Wings’ “top six” to be a productive player.
