The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan filed a Monday evening notebook article, focusing on the Red Wings’ decision to start the 2023-2024 regular season with a roster comprised of 12 forwards, 7 defensemen and 3 goaltenders–a total of 22 players, one less than the NHL’s 23-man roster limit:
“Right now we don’t need it,” [Red Wings coach Derek] Lalonde said. “Right now, obviously knowing that 13th (forward) could be an easy callup anywhere (from Grand Rapids) and with the seven NHL caliber defensemen, if we get that odd morning or afternoon sickness or something happens in warmups, we have no problem with 11 (forwards) and seven (defensemen). But those will be the 12 (forwards) and I’m not opposed to 11 and seven on Thursday, also (in the season opener in New Jersey). It’s what we are right now post (training) camp.”
Lalonde is comfortable using the 11-7 lineup as it normally gives a team’s best forwards more ice time, and as far as defensemen, you can mix and match and manage their minutes better, along with using a defensemen in specialized roles.
….
“It’s a luxury of having seven NHL defensemen, which we haven’t had and many teams haven’t had,” Lalonde said. “Some guys may have to sit (eventually) and I’ll communicate it as best as I can. If someone has to be held accountable because of play, that’ll be easy to do. It’s just the reality of it and it’s a good problem to have.”
The Wings sent forwards Jonatan Berggren, Elmer Soderblom and Zack Aston-Reese (signed Sunday) to Grand Rapids along with defenseman Simon Edvinsson, while sending forward Nate Danielson back to his junior team in Brandon (WHL). Lalonde feels too much emphasis can be put into an opening night roster these days in the NHL.
“In today’s NHL, with the salary cap, your team is 15 forwards and eight or nine defensemen,” said Lalonde, of juggling players because of injuries and cap restrictions. “That’s just the reality of those guys in GR rather than being here and sitting in the press box.”