Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen posted a subscriber-only article discussing five storylines worth watching over the course of the Red Wings’ upcoming training camp and exhibition season, and I actually think that Allen’s last topic is the most intriguing to discuss on a Friday night in August:
Searching for New Czarnik: The Red Wings liked Austin Czarnik because he could shuttle between Detroit and Grand Rapids and do what was needed in either place . They trusted him because he was a two-way player with NHL experience.
However, he will play in Switzerland this season. Who replaces him as the first forward call-up? The preseason will help [GM Steve] Yzerman sort that out. The logical choice is center Sheldon Dries. He scored 11 goals for the Vancouver Canucks in 2022-23. Like Czarnik, Dries is considered a pro’s pro.
But let’s not forget Elmer Soderblom is still trying to earn his way back to Detroit. The 6-foot-8 forward tallied 13 goals in 68 games last season in Grand Rapids. The Red Wings could use his size, even though he’s not true physical player.
The other question is whether the Red Wings are intrigued enough with [Marco] Kasper to fast-track him. If they have a long-term injury at center, you can’t rule that out.
Continued (paywall); the Red Wings may also lean on Nate Danielson, Carter Mazur and William Lagesson as first call-ups if the team runs into an injury bug, which seems an inevitable eventuality.
