As the regular season is just around the corner, a trio of Red Wings players could be poised to make an impact. Obviously, the core of the Red Wings should continue to be stellar, but some of the secondary depth may bring a complimentary spark. This will be particularly important during times when the wheels get stuck and need a spark.
Jonatan Berggren
The Enkoping, Sweden native and 33rd overall selection by Detroit in the 2018 NHL Entry draft has spent a fair share of his professional career with the Grand Rapids Griffins. During his three seasons in Grand Rapids, he amassed 54 goals and 83 assists through 139 games.
After Berggren scored 15 goals and added 13 assists in 67 games of the 2022-23 season with Detroit, he used the 2023-24 campaign with Grand Rapids to prove he belongs in the NHL. Berggren finished the AHL regular season on a tear by scoring 7 goals and adding 7 assists in his final 13 games, leading to the Calder Cup Playoffs. In the playoffs, he tallied an additional 5 goals and 5 assists (3 game-winning goals) in 9 games.
Berggren, who entered the offseason with one game remaining of waiver exemption and as a restricted free agent, earned himself a relatively safe “bridge deal” at 1 year/$825,000. While the AAV is less than his three-year entry-level contract at $925,000, it gives the Wings salary cap wiggle room and an added motivation for Berggren to perform.
“So, you know, what he needs to do… Just be a good hockey player in all areas of the game, offensively, defensively,” General Manager Steve Yzerman said before training camp on Sept. 17 regarding Berggren’s possible impact on the team. “…He looks like he’s worked really hard this summer. He’s in good shape. He’s a smart hockey player. He’s got good skills, and it’s just the ability to do it at the NHL level.”
With Berggren expected to be slotted on the fourth line and the secondary power play unit, he will certainly get his opportunity to showcase he belongs in the Red Wings’ long-term plans.
Vladimir Tarasenko
Tarasenko is an interesting player to observe as the 32-year-old forward enters his 13th NHL season with two Stanley Cups (2019 St. Louis Blues and 2023 Florida Panthers). However, he has slowed down offensively over the past three seasons, only recording 41 goals and 64 assists in 145 games.
While two trade deadline deals over the past three seasons could certainly have impacted his offensive chemistry, Tarasenko’s two-year/$4.75 million contract with Detroit could mean he still has a bit left in the tank to pose an offensive threat.
When asked on July 4 about the addition of Tarasenko and what impact he may bring to the team, Yzerman explained that Tarasenko would add additional veteran presence as well as bolster the top six forward group.
“A left-shot winger, bigger body, a little bit different type of player than our wingers, Lucas, Patrick Kane, Alex DeBrincat. Get a bigger body, a left shot, [and] fill out that I’ll say top-six, top-nine group. Scorer, straight-ahead guy who’s big and strong and go to the net. We feel that’s a really good addition.”
While Tarasenko’s luster from his time with the Blues may not be as shiny nowadays, Tarasenko remains a threat. He will likely be slotted at right wing opposite Patrick Kane, with J.T. Compher centering the second line. Expect his scoring touch to earn him a spot on one of the power play units as well.
Simon Edvinsson
Edvinsson, who was called up from Grand Rapids in late March as the Wings made their late-season surge, is a key cog in Detroit’s plans to bulk up the blue line. Towering at 6-foot-6 and 216 pounds, he is certainly the Red Wings’ No. 2 defenseman entering this season behind only Moritz Seider.
Like Berggren, Edvinsson made significant strides during training camp and the preseason last year, which forced a difficult decision from Steve Yzerman. Ultimately, he spent much of the year developing further in Grand Rapids.
While in Grand Rapids, Edvinsson was one of the team’s top defenseman, finishing with 8 goals and 22 assists in 56 regular season games. Additionally, Edvinsson tallied 2 assists through an injury-shortened Calder Cup Playoffs.
With Jake Walman’s former spot open, Edvinsson is expected to anchor the left side of the second defense pairing along with Jeff Petry. As the season progresses, expect Edvinsson to switch spots with Ben Chiarot on the top defensive line alongside Seider. That said, the Wings should see a more sound defensive unit forming as other prospects continue to rise.
As the regular season looms, these three may rise to the occasion as the Red Wings look primed to make another valiant push toward the Stanley Cup Playoffs and become a juggernaut similar to Steve Yzerman’s Tampa Bay squad.
