Detroit Red Wings Preseason Reactions: Prospects, Clarity, and the Blue Line

The Detroit Red Wings are halfway through the preseason. In an earlier preseason preview, Off the Field and Screen posed some questions about what the preseason could reveal about the team. Some of the prospects have played well, and questions about Andrew Copp and J.T. Compher have been answered; however, the blue line still has some unanswered questions.

"Emmit Finnie 2023.02.20" by Kaiser matias is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Detroit Red Wings Preseason: The Prospects

Emmitt Finnie is the clear winner of the "Preseason Hype Award." The question is whether he can keep it up and make the team. His role would not only address whether any prospects would make the team, but it is growing more likely that he'll play on that top line. Max Bultman of The Athletic thinks so. The early buzz of him practicing on that line drew a lot of attention, but his performance against the Chicago Blackhawks on September 23 only added fuel to the fire. Todd McLellan had this to say about him: “I’d heard about Emmitt and his game, but he’s really grown on me. The pace of play, the detail that he has, the courage that he has to take pucks to the net, the tenacity that he plays with.” The combination of practice, performance, and praise from McLellan gives Finnie a realistic shot.

After Finnie, the 2023 7th round pick, the Red Wings have seen plenty of former first-round picks perform well, even if they aren't joining Detroit out of camp. Nate Danielson and Michael Brandsegg-Nygård have had strong showings and should make for two-thirds of a solid top line for the Grand Rapids Griffins. Axel Sandin-Pellikka has shown signs of the kind of player the Red Wings hope he will become. He doesn't have the size and physicality for the NHL yet, but with his skill level and some time to learn how to adapt in the AHL, he should be an excellent offense-oriented d-man. Sebastian Cossa is the interesting question mark. It's challenging to judge goalie performance in the preseason due to the varied lineups, but he hasn't knocked down the doors, either. No one expected him to do that, though. The depth at goalie, combined with a difficult second half, means Cossa will need more time in Grand Rapids.

Detroit Red Wings Preseason: The Clarity

At this point, the second and third lines appear clear. The Marco Kasper, Patrick Kane, and Alex DeBrincat line has been chiselled in stone since late last season. The third line of Andrew Copp, Mason Appleton, and Michael Rasmussen had been hinted at, but after a few preseason games showing that look, this checking line seems set, too. Obviously, Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond will play on the top line.

That leaves J.T. Compher centering the fourth line with Jonatan Berggren and either Elmer Söderblom or James van Riemsdyk (JVR). Of course, this configuration assumes that Finnie beats out Söderblom for the top line left wing spot. JVR will likely play ahead of him in a fourth-line spot, too. JVR has been away from the team, but once he returns, he may receive a look at the top line as well.

However, either option on the fourth line could address the Red Wings' depth-scoring issues. It may turn out that whoever can score more will play on this line instead. Ultimately, this will be the line that frustrates Red Wings fans. Unless another prospect can prove they can play a more prominent role, the organization's default is to have them play that role in Grand Rapids instead. While the logic is solid, Compher's $5,100,000 AAV will draw attention as a fourth-line center.

Detroit Red Wings Preseason: The Blue Line

The simplest answer here is that, despite adding Jacob Bernard-Docker, the Red Wings will run it back with an Erik Gustafsson and Justin Holl combination on the third pair. That doesn't mean that it will be that combination every night. Gustafsson's ability to play on the power play (despite his struggles last season) will keep him on the ice. Holl, on the other hand, is a different story. The Red Wings liked splitting up Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson so that they could have one elite defenseman on each of the top pairs. However, Albert Johansson and JBD as a second pair should receive a look at some point. That would allow Ben Chiarot to return to a more natural role on the third pair. This look would remove Holl and Travis Hamonic from needing too much time on the ice. JBD could be this year's Johansson, starting on the outside looking in and progressively carving out an important role.

Detroit Red Wings Preseason Reaction

Overall, the Red Wings have answered many of the questions they had going into the season. They have had some surprises and positive growth. It seems that the top-line and depth scoring questions have been resolved for now. That doesn't mean that there won't be changes as the season progresses. Keep an eye on the Grand Rapids Griffins to see how some top prospects start the season. Last season, Marco Kasper began in Grand Rapids and made the transition to Detroit on October 19. By the end of the season, Kasper became a key member of the Red Wings top six.

The ongoing questions will surround the defensemen. While it seems set in stone, McLellan demands excellence and isn't afraid to shake things up. If that third pair struggles, don't expect "coach speak" and no action. He'll make a change. The status quo won't fly with him at the helm. They have eight defensemen who might make the opening night roster. Ian Mitchell offers another option.

For more material like this, click here to see all previous sports-related posts. Additionally, consider subscribing to or following us on Facebook or Instagram to stay up-to-date with our latest posts.