Entering the season, the Detroit Red Wings placed a clear emphasis on competing for the 2024 postseason [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/analysis/gauging-debrincats-fit-prospect-progress-vs-nhl-depth-what-kane-tells-us-about-the-trade-deadline-husso-as-number-one-re-evaluating-preseason-red-wings-existential-questions] by bolstering the team's roster with proven NHL depth through free agency. This approach has thrust the Red Wings into the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff picture, and veteran depth pieces like Justin Holl or Christian Fischer have played a clear role in that success. However, the approach also comes at the cost of NHL opportunities for the team's top prospects. Perhaps Jonatan Berggren is the best example of this season. Because he played 67 NHL games a year ago, Berggren almost didn't feel like a prospect and rather a proven pro entering the season, but because of Detroit's added depth, he hasn't had a place in the Red Wings' lineup for the majority of the season. He's with the big club now, but, especially after the signing of Patrick Kane, it seems unlikely he remains there once the roster returns to full health. So, the question begs, with players like Berggren or Simon Edvinsson or Marco Kasper (mostly) mired in the AHL, is Detroit's pursuit of a playoff spot this spring coming at the expense of the team's top prospects long-term development? On the most recent episode of The Silky Mitten State, my co-host Connor Earegood and I took on that question. Here's a quick video excerpt from our conversation: Prospects Progress vs. NHL Results Be sure to check out the full conversation and episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify: ALSO FROM THN DETROIT Former Red Wing Winger Vrana Clears Waivers with St. Louis; GM Says "It Felt Like We Were Derailing Jakub's Career" [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/news/former-red-wing-winger-vrana-clears-waivers-with-st-louis-gm-says-it-felt-like-we-were-derailing-jakubs-career] From the Archive: Chris Chelios, the Red Wings' American Rock [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/features/from-the-archive-chris-chelios-the-red-wings-american-rock] Detroit Steals a Road Win, Rasmussen Stands Out, Husso Outduels Binnington: Red Wings-Blues Statistical Review [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/analysis/detroit-steals-a-road-win-rasmussen-stands-out-husso-solid-red-wings-blues-statistical-review] David Perron to Appeal Six-Game Suspension; Agent Takes to Twitter to Sound Off on Department of Player Safety's Hypocrisy [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/news/david-perron-to-appeal-six-game-suspension-agent-takes-to-twitter-to-sound-of-department-of-player-safetys-hypocrisy] Red Wings 6, Blues 4: Detroit Comes From Behind in Third Period to Steal Improbable Victory in St. Louis [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/news/red-wings-6-blues-4-detroit-comes-from-behind-in-third-period-to-steal-improbable-victory-in-st-louis] Red Wings Goaltending Prospect Augustine Earns Big Ten's First Star of the Week for Michigan State, WJC Up Next [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/prospects/red-wings-goaltending-prospect-augustine-earns-big-tens-first-star-of-the-week-for-michigan-state-wjc-up-next] Reimer Struggles, Veleno Steps Up Absent Larkin and Compher, Dallas Controls Play Through Shot Volume: Red Wings-Stars Statistical Review [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/analysis/reimer-struggles-veleno-steps-up-absent-larkin-and-compher-dallas-controls-play-through-shot-volume-red-wings-stars-statistical-review] Does Alex Lyon Deserve a Bigger Share of Starts than Ville Husso? [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/analysis/does-alex-lyon-deserve-a-bigger-share-of-starts-than-ville-husso] Red Wings 3, Stars 6: Detroit Stumbles in First Game Without Larkin [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/news/red-wings-3-stars-6-detroit-stumbles-in-first-game-without-larkin]
