Breaking: Red Wings Roster Update

After practice this morning, the Detroit Red Wings trimmed their roster from 69 to 60 players. The Red Wings will now have 34 forwards, 20 defensemen, and six goaltenders available to start the preseason schedule.

Of the 60 players, 49 were acquired through the draft, trades, or free agency. These players are expected to make up the core of the Detroit and Grand Rapids (AHL) rosters. Seven players are on professional tryouts and are expected to play in either Grand Rapids (AHL) or Toledo (ECHL). Four players (Riley Piercey, Jake Uberti, Ivan Ivan, and Jeremie Biakabutuka) continue to be on amateur tryouts. They are currently playing for an entry-level contract with the Red Wings.

Drafted players assigned back to Junior

Goaltender Jan Bednar was a fourth-round pick, #107th overall in the 2020 draft. Bednar will return to play his OA year in Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL) this year. Detroit owns Bednar’s rights until June 2024.

Defenseman Oscar Plandowski was a fifth-round pick, #155th overall in the 2021 draft. Detroit must sign Pladowski to an entry-level contract by next June or risk losing him to free agency. Plandowski will play in Drummondville (QMJHL) this year.

Forward Pasquale Zito was a sixth-round pick, #166th overall in the 2021 draft. Zito will play in Niagara (OHL) this year. Detroit must sign Zito to an entry-level contract by next June, or he can become a free agent. I will keep a close eye on Zito during the year because he plays in my hometown of St. Catharines, Ontario.

Forward Amadeus Lombardi was a fourth round pick, #113th overall in the 2022 draft. Detroit has until June 2024 to sign Lombardi to an entry-level contract. Lombardi will play for Flint (OHL) this year.

Amateur tryout players assigned back to Junior

Goaltender Andrew Oke was released from his amateur tryout and will return to play in Saginaw (OHL) this year.

Forward Marcus Limpar-Lantz was released from his amateur try-out and will play for Sarnia (OHL) this year.

Forward Jacob Mathieu was released from his amateur tryout and will return to play for Rimouski (QMJHL) this year.

Forward Mitchell Martin was released from his amateur tryout and will return to play for Kitchener (OHL) this year.

Amateur tryout player released

Forward Julien Anctil was released from his amateur try-out. It has yet to be determined where Anctil will play this year.