Detroit Red Wings: Adam Erne Acquisition Sparks Competition

Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman recently completed his first trade with the organization under his guidance.  Yzerman decided to make a deal with his former employer the Tampa Bay Lightning.

It didn’t take the Detroit Red Wings GM, Steve Yzerman, much time before heading to the well looking to make a deal. He recently picked up the phone and called his successor, old friend Julien BriseBois making a deal for forward Adam Erne. The Wings sent a fourth-round pick in next years’ draft for Erne who recently signed a one-year deal worth $1.050 million.  He will once again become a restricted free agent next summer.

The Lightning drafted Erne with the 33rd overall pick in the second round of the 2013 NHL Entry Level Draft.  Yzerman had a first-hand look at his development.  The move signals Steve has been impressed with the 24-year old forwards’ growth and potential.

With Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings making a move for a familiar face; what does the acquisition of Adam Erne mean for some preexisting players? The move will spark a much needed fourth line competition.

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The move could signal a roster competition between a few veteran players such as Justin Abdelkader, Jacob de La Rose, and Darren Helm. Of those three, I believe Helm is safe.  With the log jam of young forwards attempting to be regulars in Detroit, I think de La Rose’s roster spot is in serious jeopardy.

Justin Abdelkader had a terrible season last year with the Detroit Red Wings, and no one would have batted an eye if Yzerman decided to buy-out his $4.25 million cap hit that runs for another four seasons. But he didn’t.  Abdelkader recorded a mere 6 goals, totaling 14 points in 71 contests.

Justin will have to try and fend off young prospects such as Filip Zadina, Evgeny Svechnikov, Michael Rasmussen & Joeseph Veleno for one of the final roster spots on the team.  The four young forwards just mentioned are all eligible to start the season in Grand Rapids next season.  I expect all four to be in Detroit at some point next year. But I have a feeling we could see all four START in Grand Rapids; three of them will likely make up the teams’ first or second line.

Taro Hirose should be a lock to start the season in Detroit after bursting onto the scene at the end of last season.  Ryan Kuffner and Christoffer Ehn will need a strong camp in order to make the team. There are plenty of other players with a higher offensive ceiling the organization will likely prefer.

The addition of Adam Erne puts a bit more pressure on some of the other players because he’s a roster lock as a bottom-six forward this season. Erne is best fitted as a fourth-line winger as he’s not afraid to mix it up.  He loves to bang the body, but can also chip in with a few goals.  He gives the Wings Abdelkader’s production for a fraction of the price but also brings a physical presence to the lineup.

Last season in 65 contests as a member of the Lightning Erne recorded 7 goals, 13 assists totaling 20 points.  Erne was a plus-10 on the season averaging 10:33 TOI per night. Not bad for $1 million per season.