Erik Gustafsson's addition to the Detroit Red Wings blue line is intriguing, especially after the departure of Shayne Gostisbehere and Jake Walman.
Gustafsson, a Swedish defenseman and a fan of Nicklas Lidstrom, has a track record of being a reliable power-play contributor, with 32 assists over the past four years. While he has only six career power-play goals, none since 2019-20, his confidence in running the power play could benefit the Red Wings.
MLive's Ansar Khan notes that Erik Gustafsson, paired with Simon Edvinsson, might not replicate the offensive output of Walman and Gostisbehere but remains a solid choice. Dave Hogg of NHL.com projects the Red Wings' lineup with notable additions like Alex DeBrincat, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Erik Gustafsson.
DeBrincat - Larkin - Raymond
Tarasenko - Compher - Kane
Rasmussen - Copp - Fischer
Motte - Veleno - Berggren
Chiarot - Seider
Edvinsson - Petry
Maatta - Gustafsson
Talbot
Lyon
The roster, with strong forward lines and a revamped defense, aims for a wild card spot, contingent on goaltending performance from Cam Talbot and Alex Lyon.
Source: Winging it Motown
Quick Hits: The Projected Lineup Edition
POLL | ||
Do you like the projected lineup for the Detroit Red Wings in the 2024-25 season preview? | ||
Yes | 19 | 65.5 % |
No | 10 | 34.5 % |
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