The Detroit Red Wings are facing some tough roster choices in the week ahead as the NHL preseason nears a close. It’s going to be a tough call whether young talent such as forward Elmer Soderblom and defenseman Simon Edvinsson can earn a spot on the 23-player roster. Or would they be better served playing major minutes to launch their North American pro careers skating with the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins?
Look around NHL camps and you’ll quickly see that Detroit isn’t the only club facing this dilemma.
With each and every game, Washington Capitals prospect Aliaksei Protas is capitalizing on his ice time in Washington. Washington Hockey Now’s Sammi Silber reports that the hulking six-foot-six forward not only put on mass this summer, but has also put himself front and center for the Washington brass.
Scoring the lone goal in Washington’s 3-1 loss to Columbus, Silber writes that Protas is making a strong case to stay with the big club long after the preseason. The 21-year-old might even become a regular contributor to a team looking to stay in the Stanley Cup contender category.
Meanwhile, two of the Vegas Golden Knights top prospects did not make it after the second round of cuts. Vegas Hockey Now’s Owen Krepps writes that two of the most likely prospect front runners to make the team, Brendan Brisson and Sakari Manninen, will both get some seasoning with the Henderson Silver Knights.
Red Wings In Case You Missed It
- The Breakdown of the Detroit Red Wings’ 3-0 win that saw Lucas Raymond notch three points, including a goal. Not to mention a jaw-dropping play that led to Detroit’s first tally
- The latest Detroit Red Wings stock index sees Elmer Soderblom’s continuing to impress. Might it result in an earlier appearance in Detroit? (DHN+)
- Andrew Copp is hopeful that he’s going to be ready for opening night
- Simon Edvinsson needs to continue to show he deserves a spot in Detroit (DHN+)
National Hockey Now
Calgary: The latest battles in camp as things begin to wind down. Calgary Flames
Colorado: Artturi Lehkonen will get a shot at the first power play unit. Colorado Avalanche
New York: Islanders prospect William Dufour reflects on the preseason so far. New York Islanders
Pittsburgh: The Penguins fall 3-1 and PHN’s Dan Kingerski takes a closer look at what went right…and what went wrong. Pittsburgh Penguins
Philadelphia: Five Observations on a Flyers team that just couldn’t find the net in their latest loss. Philadelphia Flyers
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