Detroit Red Wings: Younger players are showing promise
By Jacob Rivard
The Detroit Red Wings are off to a 2-2-0 start to the season, with plenty of surprises and stories abound. From Dylan Larkin’s captaincy to the rise of Bobby Ryan, it’s clear that this year’s Red Wings are far improved from previous seasons.
The change is most evident in the rise of the youth movement. The Detroit Red Wings’ taxi squad is chock full of young, eager players ready to take the next step. Players like Dennis Cholowski and Givani Smith will have increased opportunities to earn full-time roster spots as injuries come and go.
The Detroit Red Wings’ younger players are showing immense promise as the 2021 season commences. Take a look at some of these Red Wings youngsters who are showing promise early on!
A new opportunity for Michael Rasmussen on the Detroit Red Wings roster.
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The COVID-19 protocols have temporarily sidelined Robby Fabbri, creating an opening on the team’s second line.
With a potential for a big-time role, Michael Rasmussen has stepped up to the plate, filling in between Filip Zadina and Bobby Ryan as the line’s center.
The 6’5″ forward has played great: he’s been a strong forechecker with great vision and even set up Bobby Ryan’s goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
If Rasmussen can keep up with the competition, he may find a home on the Red Wings for the foreseeable future.
His consistency this season is key: a strong enough outing can earn him a permanent role on the roster.
If he can show head coach Jeff Blashill that he’s capable of playing in the NHL, he may become a mainstay in Detroit for years to come.
Detroit Red Wings prospect Filip Zadina’s revenge tour begins.
When Filip Zadina spent his first season in the AHL, many fans across the league prematurely wrote him off. This was not only a foolish choice but a wildly incorrect call. While Zadina wasn’t able to start his first season in the NHL, he quickly secured a spot last year, scoring 15 points in 28 games.
Fellow Czech David Pastrnak scored at a similar pace during his first run at an NHL roster. Zadina is quickly proving the doubters wrong this year. He’s showcased elite ability on both sides of the ice.
His immense growth has become immediately evident during the first four games. From elite passes to top-tier takeaways, Zadina is more than showing why he was considered a top-three talent in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
Opportunities for other Detroit Red Wings youngsters will become available over time.
The rest of the taxi squad will have chances as injuries and trades occur. Of the names on the taxi squad, Dennis Cholowski appears as an especially intriguing option. The 2016 1st round pick will look to carve a role for himself on the Red Wings’ backend before his entry-level contract comes to an end.
Whether he battles his way past players like Christian Djoos or shows his stuff in a fill-in role like Rasmussen, this year is Cholowski’s best opportunity to make it on the NHL level.
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Which of the younger players has shown the most promise to you? Who do you want to see earn a spot this year? Let us know in the comments?