Roster uncertainty looms in Hockeytown as unexpected line combinations and key absences highlight the Red Wings' final preparations, pushing young prospects into high-stakes roles before Friday's puck drop.
On Monday, the Detroit Red Wings hit the ice with what could be a preview of their opening night lineup ahead of Friday's season opener against the New York Rangers. Notably absent from the projected starting lineup were Dylan Larkin and Simon Edvinsson.
Nothing is set in stone but if they were to carry over the same lines, it would include some interesting looks. Up front, the top line once again paired Alex DeBrincat with Andrew Copp, both coming off career seasons, with Lucas Raymond rounding out the trio on the other wing.
The second line offered a more unfamiliar look, with last season's breakout performer Emmitt Finnie slotting in on the left side, newcomer Viktor Arvidsson opposite him, and veteran J.T. Compher centering the unit.
The middle six continued to take shape with another new-look line, as Marco Kasper centered Michael Rasmussen and fellow newcomer Keegan Kolesar on the wings. The bottom line featured a pair of young forwards in Nate Danielson and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, alongside Mason Appleton on the left side. Dylan Larkin and Carter Mazur skated as the extra forwards.
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On the back end, Detroit's pairings showed a notable influx of young talent. Albert Johansson surprisingly jumped up to the top pairing alongside Moritz Seider, marking the biggest opportunity of his NHL career to date, while Ben Chiarot and Axel Sandin-Pellikka rounded out the top four.
The third pairing brought together preseason standout Anton Johansson and veteran Justin Faulk, who is entering the final season of his current contract. The extra defense pairing included presumed depth defenders in Andreas Englund and William Wallinder while Simon Edvinsson did not skate.
Finally, between the pipes was surprising not John Gibson but presumed backup Daniil Tarasov drew into the net. It could mean a day off for Gibson before the start of the season or it could mean a potential injury may hold Gibson out of the lineup for the start of the season.
Detroit faces a Friday deadline to finalize its roster cuts and set its opening night lineup, which should bring further clarity to how the group actually lines up for the season opener at home in Hockeytown.
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