In Red Wings Land

Why Detroit Red Wings are going with four alternate captains again | Freep

“Steve and I discussed through it through the course of the summer and with Steve being new to the organization regarding the current players, it gives him a chance to get to know everybody involved,” Wings coach Jeff Blashill told the Free Press. “We feel with adding Luke it gives us four really strong voices and a good group of leaders.”

I don’t necessarily agree with this decision, but I understand. Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman probably wants to really get to know his team before he decides who wears the ‘C.’ If anyone knows what it means to wear that letter, it’s Yzerman.

Now, should Dylan Larkin eventually be named the captain? In my opinion, yes. He’s the unquestionable face of the franchise. He appears to be the team’s leader both on and off the ice. I think he’s worthy. Probably everyone on this website — writers and readers — likely agrees with me. Is it problematic delaying the decision? No, it’s not. Unless something crazy happens, we’re just delaying the inevitable. I guess we just have to be patient with this situation like we’re being patient with the entire rebuild.

Jobs, playing time available as Red Wings open training camp | Detroit News

“When you get two teams, it does present some difficulties,” said Blashill, in terms of having young players such as Zadina, Veleno and Seider being paired with Wings’ veterans. “I want to have Seider with a defense partner who is a vet, and Zadina, when possible, and Veleno, but the problem is when you get to two teams, it shows how hard it is to beat certain guys out.

I’m really looking forward to seeing if jobs and playing time are really up for grabs during training camp. This might be the most interesting and intriguing camp we’ve had in a really long time.

I do like the idea of Filip Zadina, Joe Veleno and Moritz Seider getting paired with established players. Give them a chance to show what they can do with guys who regularly play at the NHL level. Let them show that they belong amongst the best and belong in Detroit on opening night.

Around the League

Dubas talks Marner, captaincy and Babcock as Leafs open camp | TSN

Mitch Marner is a pretty darn good hockey player and is definitely fun to watch. However, with that said, I can’t say I really feel all that bad for the Maple Leafs that they’re in this situation. Bummer ¯_(ツ)_/¯