The Hockey News’s Connor Eargood spoke with Jonatan Berggren regarding his opportunity to make the Red Wings’ roster full-time this season:
“This is a year for me to prove that I can belong in this league,” Berggren said Thursday on the opening day of Red Wings training camp. “So my focus on training camp is just come in with a great attitude and show them what player I am and how big a summer I had.”
Berggren played in just 12 NHL games last season after playing 67 in his rookie year the season prior. His call-ups showed flashes of the offensive impact he can make through his vision and deception, but they also exposed his flaws. Berggren was a minus defender in many of his appearances, almost all of which came in a depth role on the fourth line.
Now, the task for Berggren becomes proving he can deliver on defense.
“Two-way game,” Detroit coach Derek Lalonde said of the expectations for Berggren this season. “You talk about actions, the first action is he had a great summer. He looks leaner. He looks like he’s got a little bit more pop. He’s done his work. Now, it’s just being a little more responsible in that two-way game.”
Update: And there’s this from Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen:
It was emotionally challenging for Berggren to stay positive when he couldn’t stick with Detroit.
“It been a little bit tough. I will not lie,” Berggren said on the opening day of training camp in Traverse City. Going up and down. Basically living in my car, me and my girlfriend. So it was. I think looking back at it, it was a grow a lot and mentally strong and stuff. …But I think it will help me in the long (run).”
