The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan wraps up his examination of the Red Wings’ depth chart with a discussion about Detroit’s forward corps this morning, having already explored the Wings’ depth at defense and in goal.
As Kulfan suggests, Dylan Larkin’s status and/or the trade return for the Red Wings’ disgruntled captain could very well determine both the team’s direction and, very specifically, shape its depth “up front.”
With or without Larkin, however, the Wings lost Patrick Kane’s 16 goals and 57 points, as well as James van Riemsdyk’s 15 goals and 31 points; Kulfan is correct in suggesting that Detroit’s going to need “internal improvement” from within its current crop of forwards in order to assuage their losses in scoring.
It wouldn’t hurt to sign an Eeli Tolvanen or Michael Bunting in order to address scoring depth, but there’s no guarantee that outside help will be added to the mix before the regular season begins.
Here are some of Kulfan’s takes on the players who could add to the Wings’ attack:
▶ Viktor Arvidsson: A free-agent signing, Arvidsson scored 25 goals in Boston, and the Wings are hoping he’ll produce that many, if not more, this season. He goes to the net, has speed, plays hard — but also gets hurt because of his style of play.
▶ Emmitt Finnie: Finnie unexpectedly made the roster last season, played all 82 games, and scored 13 goals. Playing with Larkin and Raymond, Finnie took advantage of scoring opportunities around the net. Is there more offensive ability there?
▶ Marco Kasper: Kasper is an important player. He needs to be closer to the young player that scored 19 goals his rookie season, and not the one who scored nine last season. Playing through a knee injury may have contributed to the overall drop in his game.
▶ Nate Danielson: The former first-round pick had two goals and seven points in 28 games before being sent back down to Grand Rapids. An injury ended his Griffins’ season. The Wings’ need production from the center spot, an upgrade, but is Danielson ready to be that player?
▶ Michael Brandsegg-Nygard: The former first-round pick had no goals and one assist in 14 games with the Wings, but had 20 goals in 60 games in Grand Rapids. He has the body, strong shot and instincts to be an effective pro. The Wings are banking on Brandsegg-Nygard taking a big step in his development.
Continued at length (paywall); Detroit’s depth is definitely lacking in terms of scoring up front, and if Larkin leaves, there’s real trouble afoot, which is why I am hoping that the team can flip “future assets” returned for Larkin to a 3rd team for immediate help.
