The Detroit Red Wings roster is set for their first game of the season, with final roster cuts including prospects that made a strong case. First-round picks Simon Edvinsson and Nate Danielson were among the last round of Red Wings roster cuts. Jonatan Berggren, who played 67 games for Detroit last year, and Elmer Soderblom, 21 games, were sent to the AHL. NHL rosters are fluid, so these prospects can still make the case that they belong on the 2023-24 Red Wings roster.
These prospects remain options for the Red Wings roster, but the roster is stronger than in past years. Klim Kostin and Christian Fischer bring a heavy element to the fourth line. Daniel Sprong should bring some much-needed offence to the third line, with Alex DeBrincat doing the same on the first line. These are all new additions to the roster, meaning Soderblom and Berggren had more players to beat out. The same goes for the defence where Edvinsson had to beat out Jeff Petry, Justin Holl, and Shayne Gostisbehere. A stronger roster is better for the Red Wings, but it will keep the prospects from the NHL for a little while longer.
Detroit Red Wings Roster Call-Ups
Based on last year, Jonatan Berggren will be the first call-up for the Red Wings. Berggren started last season in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins, but he was an early-season call-up that started off hot. The 2018 draft pick is in a tough spot as he is more of a top-six playmaker. It’s nice to know that the team has a capable replacement if someone in the top-six goes down. If the Red Wings need someone for the bottom six, recent addition Zach Aston-Reese could fill that role. Soderblom also remains an option as he has something no other player does: a massive 6-foot 8-inch frame. Soderblom surprised last season by making the roster out of camp, but he cooled off and finished the season in Grand Rapids.
For defence call-ups, Edvinsson is surely atop the list. The 2021 first-round pick impressed this preseason with his physical game and ability to chip in offence from the back end. He still found himself on the outside looking in.
A pretty Swede goal from Simon Edvinsson! pic.twitter.com/vmIicGfvBi
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 5, 2023
Edvinsson was a victim of a full blue line on the Detroit Red Wings roster. Steve Yzerman added three defencemen this year and two the previous year. With the way Edvinsson played this preseason, it wouldn’t surprise anyone if he stuck on the roster after a call-up. Albert Johansson is another young defender that Yzerman has previously mentioned as having stood out, but he seems to have fallen behind Edvinsson after this preseason.
When Does Nate Danielson Make the Red Wings Roster?
One surprising part of the Red Wings roster cuts this preseason was how long Nate Danielson remained with the team. The 2023 first-round pick impressed with his well-rounded game, which led to him lasting until the last round of cuts. He played like a veteran, and the team rewarded him for it.
Nate Danielson made an impression during his first Red Wings preseason, displaying maturity and poise.#LGRW pic.twitter.com/azR1KzKkCb
— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) October 7, 2023
Danielson returns to the Brandon Wheat Kings in the WHL and isn’t eligible to return until their season ends. The path is there for him to earn games at the end of the 2023-24 Detroit Red Wings season. The team may prefer to have him in the AHL first if they’re pushing for the playoffs. If Danielson continues to grow and show his mature game next preseason, expect him as a Red Wings roster regular.
Main photo: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
