DETROIT — Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde knows tough decisions are ahead.
The Red Wings open the regular season on Oct. 14 and must submit their 23-man roster by Monday’s 5 pm deadline, and according to Lalonde, that decision-making process “might ultimately go to that last minute.”
“We’ve been having these conversations,” Lalonde said. “They’ve had difficult conversations. I think that’s a step heading in the right direction.”
Video: Derek Lalonde | Media Availability | 10/07/22
Lalonde said execution matters when determining which players on the fringe belong on Detroit’s Opening Night roster.
“Consistency, good habits and things we’re going to preach to improve on a whole,” Lalonde said. “Our play away from the puck and with the puck. Just some details within the game, including compete (level).”
Lalonde added that when evaluating young players like Simon Edvinssonwho was the Red Wings’ sixth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, there are variables the front office and coaching staff must consider.
“Seven or eight years ago, it’s a no-brainer that he starts in the American Hockey League,” Lalonde said about Edvinsson. “In today’s day and age with the cap era, there’s development on the fly. That reality is something we talk about daily.”
According to Lalonde, it’s a positive sign that trimming the roster has been so difficult.
“Steve (Yzerman) and his group have drafted well and had a good offseason,” Lalonde said. “We have the luxury of some depth. I’m happy we’re having these tough conversations.”
Copp excited for Opening Night
After Friday’s morning skate, Andrew Copp said he’s confident that he will be ready for Opening Night next week.
“The way everything has been going and the way I’ve been training, it is a unique injury,” said Copp, who is recovering from abdominal surgery in August. “I will see how that manifests itself over the next week or so, but I’ve been on the ice with the team for the past week. I’m feeling good.”
Copp, who also missed last month’s training camp, said he’s enjoying time spent with his new teammates.
“It’s been pretty good, but it’s also been tough because I haven’t gotten in any preseason games,” Copp said. “Just the last week of practice for me, and then half the time you’re with other guys who you might be playing with.”
The 28-year-old forward split time between the New York Rangers and Winnipeg Jets last season, setting career-highs in goals (21), assists (32) and points (53). And for Copp, the 2022-23 campaign is an opportunity for him to build on that success.
“I wanna be able to impact the game in every situation,” Copp said. “Whether that’s special teams, offensively, defensively or faceoffs, just be reliable while continuing to improve my game on a daily basis.”
Copp, an Ann Arbor, Mich. native, said he’s excited that his family and friends will be in attendance next Friday.
“My mom will be there,” Copp said. “My dad is caddying for my brother in his Korn Ferry qualifying school (event), so they won’t be there. But there will be a lot of other people.”
Red Wings announce updated start times
On Monday, the Red Wings announced updated start times for 20 weekday home games during the 2022-23 season that will now feature 7 pm puck drops, including Detroit’s home opener next Friday, Oct. 14, against the Montreal Canadiens at Little Caesars Arena.
For more information, click here.
.