In Red Wings Land

How will Niklas Kronwall’s retirement affect Detroit Red Wings? | Freep

Danny DeKeyser, Mike Green, Filip Hronek and Nemeth are projected to fill the top four spots on defense, leaving three spots open for a mix of veterans, prospects or other young players.

Yzerman was adamant during the summer that every player will have to earn his job, regardless of level. Veterans Trevor Daley and Jonathan Ericsson, who both missed significant time last season because of a multitude of injuries, are supposed to be ready for camp, but their injury history leaves their status for the season up in the air.

So now that we’re officially in the post-Niklas Kronwall era, the Red Wings’ defense is going to look a bit different this season. The third pair will likely be some combination of Daley, Ericsson, Dennis Cholowski, Madison Bowey, Oliwer Kaski or maybe even Moritz Seider.

I really think one of the spots is Cholowski’s to lose and I have to imagine 99% of the fanbase wants to see him in the NHL regularly this season. I have no clue who his partner should be on the blue line. I want to believe that the vets have to earn their spots, but I’ll wait and see. A rotation of Daley, Ericsson and Cholowski seems likely to me.

Around the League

Kessel wants friendship with Tocchet to take ‘back seat’ for Coyotes | NHL.com

And now, a message from the man himself, @PKessel81. #KachinaKessel pic.twitter.com/DqtNoM9gxM

— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) September 3, 2019

Phil Kessel is a national treasure.