Early battle in NHL training camp could set who will start for the Detroit Red Wings

Here are some key training camp battles to watch:

Carolina Hurricanes:
The Hurricanes remain competitive despite losing key players like Jake Guentzel and Brett Pesce. However, filling the second-line center and left-wing positions will be crucial. Martin Necas could shift to the wing, leaving Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Jack Drury, Jack Roslovic, or Jordan Staal to center the line. Prospects Bradly Nadeau and Jackson Blake will also vie for a spot, making this a pivotal camp battle.

Detroit Red Wings:
Entering year six of the 'Yzerplan,' the Red Wings aim to break their playoff drought. With a crowded roster after signing Patrick Kane, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Cam Talbot, prospects like Simon Edvinsson and Carter Mazur will push for NHL spots. Detroit may need to make trades to accommodate their emerging talents.

Minnesota Wild:
The Wild face a goaltending conundrum, balancing veteran Marc-Andre Fleury and top prospect Jesper Wallstedt. While Filip Gustavsson remains a trade candidate, Wallstedt's development will be closely watched, as he could force a three-goalie rotation.

Montreal Canadiens:
The Canadiens must sort out their defensive logjam, with seven players vying for five spots behind Mike Matheson and Kaiden Guhle. Prospects like Lane Hutson and David Reinbacher will compete with veterans, creating an intriguing camp.

Pittsburgh Penguins:
The Penguins need to trim their forward group. Rutger McGroarty and Drew O'Connor will battle for a spot on Sidney Crosby's wing, while bottom-six roles will be hotly contested, impacting the team's overall strategy.

St. Louis Blues:
The Blues, dealing with Torey Krug's potential season-long absence, will have a camp battle between Ryan Suter and Pierre-Olivier Joseph for the seventh defenseman spot. Krug's availability will dictate the final roster decisions.

As the 2024 offseason winds down, NHL teams are gearing up for training camp, where they'll fine-tune rosters and assess new talent.

Source: Yardbarker
Looking ahead to early NHL training-camp battles