Thing that confuses me the most: obviously that whole top 6 is locked, they all play baring injury. After that, I see no way Rass isn't a lock, and I think Veleno showed last year that he can play in the NHL. Then you have Stephens, Erne, Gagner, Rowney, Namestikov, and if they do well in camp/preseason, Hirose, Raymond, and Berggren. Obviously it's better to have more guys that can play, but im confused as to who gets shafted in the end here. I think theres a very good chance Berggren and Raymond could both make an NHL impact this year, but I dont know who you move out of this line-up. Sure you could put on on line 3, but if Raymond is gonna play, I don't think it's wise to play him outside the top 6. Obviously a ton will depend on camp, but I cant help but feel one of Berggren Veleno Rass or Raymond gets screwed, and thats the last thing we need.
That's probably the mottom six they go with and Smith slots in first for injuries or to give a guy a game off if needed.
One reason I think Berg & Raymond start in Grand Rapids is because they'll play top line minutes and get a lot of experience. Also there's no need to rush them since the Red Wings probably aren't pushing for a playoff spot this year. If they prove me wrong I won't be mad.
Edit: "mottom six" was lightly poking fun at the OP for a misspell in the title until he corrected it.
That's probably the mottom six they go with and Smith slots in first for injuries or to give a guy a game off if needed.
One reason I think Berg & Raymond start in Grand Rapids is because they'll play top line minutes and get a lot of experience. Also there's no need to rush them since the Red Wings probably aren't pushing for a playoff spot this year. If they prove me wrong I won't be mad.
Very fair. It is good to play them high. Another foreseeable issue however is that the only guy in the top 6 next year who is expiring is Fabbri. Well Zadina is an RFA but he isn't going anywhere. You could move Bert down to line 3 in truth at that point, and have Berg and Raymond line 2 with Suter, but also Fabbri could very well stick around. And what with rass and Veleno at that point? Very sticky situation
Very fair. It is good to play them high. Another foreseeable issue however is that the only guy in the top 6 next year who is expiring is Fabbri. Well Zadina is an RFA but he isn't going anywhere. You could move Bert down to line 3 in truth at that point, and have Berg and Raymond line 2 with Suter, but also Fabbri could very well stick around. And what with rass and Veleno at that point? Very sticky situation
Something I thought about after posting my other comment is that they might need some time to adjust to the smaller ice surface in the US. Big emphasis on might, some players can adjust quickly.
Yeah a bit sticky but a good problem to have; someone might get shipped for an established Left D-man.
Isn't it also crazy how 3 seasons is the longest the Wings have anyone signed for and that's only for 3 players? Yzerman kept his options open.
That's probably the mottom six they go with and Smith slots in first for injuries or to give a guy a game off if needed.
One reason I think Berg & Raymond start in Grand Rapids is because they'll play top line minutes and get a lot of experience. Also there's no need to rush them since the Red Wings probably aren't pushing for a playoff spot this year. If they prove me wrong I won't be mad.
Edit: "mottom six" was lightly poking fun at the OP for a misspell in the title until he corrected it.
I agree. I think they will get a handful of games in the NHL just to get their feet wet but they’ll spend most of their season in GR on the top line.
Something I thought about after posting my other comment is that they might need some time to adjust to the smaller ice surface in the US. Big emphasis on might, some players can adjust quickly.
Yeah a bit sticky but a good problem to have; someone might get shipped for an established Left D-man.
Isn't it also crazy how 3 seasons is the longest the Wings have anyone signed for and that's only for 3 players? Yzerman kept his options open.
Absolutely love Yzerman not keeping anyone signed long. Think Larkin and Zadina on their deals coming get 4+ years, but nevertheless keeps also options open. I'd also to your point love to see us make a move for a LHD, few on the market still.