Red Wings' Viktor Arvidsson filling Patrick Kane's Void With Strong Start

When the Detroit Red Wings lost Patrick Kane to a return to the Chicago Blackhawks, it left a hole on offense. Kane had recorded 57 points in 67 games. Through ten games this season, it appears the Red Wings have found a viable replacement in Viktor Arvidsson.

Detroit signed the 33-year-old Swedish winger in free agency coming off a bounce-back season in which he recorded 54 points in 69 games. Bounce-back campaigns can be a cause for concern, but Arvidsson has delivered as advertised, producing four goals and four assists, all of which were primary, for eight points in ten games while bouncing between the top and second lines.

He has also managed the puck well, with three takeaways against five giveaways, and only one of those giveaways came in the defensive zone. Arvidsson has played alongside Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond, as well as with the new and unexpected top-line duo of Alex DeBrincat and Emmitt Finnie.

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The underlying numbers from NHL Edge suggest he is just getting started. Even with four goals, Arvidsson could have more, as his 13 high-danger chances rank among the league's best. That total sits in the 95th percentile and is nearly triple the league average of five so far this season.

He also ranks highly in shot power as Arvidsson has eight shots between 70 and 80 miles per hour, which is in the 82nd percentile and double the league average of four. His skating numbers are strong as well, covering 27.67 miles this season, placing him in the 74th percentile and seven miles ahead of the league average.

The results have been positive across the board for Arvidsson and the Red Wings' biggest hope now is that he can stay healthy while keeping up his promising pace.

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