The Detroit Red Wings have missed the playoffs for six consecutive seasons. General manager Steve Yzerman is currently in his fourth season after successfully building a championship team in Tampa Bay. Through his time as general manager, Yzerman has been stockpiling prospects through the draft in order to return the Red Wings to prominence in the NHL.
This season, the Red Wings have added Elmer Soderblom to the roster in the hope that he could play an offensive role at the NHL level. Recently, Jonatan Berggren was promoted to the NHL because of injuries to key offensive players. He will likely be returned to Grand Rapids (AHL) once these players regain the health required to play in Detroit.
The Red Wings are so loaded with prospects that as many as seven Red Wings draftees could play in the World Junior Tournament after Christmas.
Here are five players who should be next in line for full-time duty on the Red Wings in 2023.
Jonatan Berggren-W/C
Age: 22
Draft: 2018, Round 2, #33 Overall
2022-2023 Team: Grand Rapids (AHL)
2022-2023 Stats: GP: 7 G: 4 A: 3 PTS: 7 PM: 2 +/-: -6
Jonatan Berggren is in the second year of his three-year entry-level contract with Detroit. Berggren is a tremendously gifted offensive player. Currently playing in Detroit, Berggren will likely get a full-time opportunity with Detroit after the trade deadline in March. Next year, Berggren should make Detroit out of training camp and could play a middle-six role for the Red Wings.
Simon Edvinsson-LD
Age: 19
Draft: 2021, Round 1, #6 Overall
2022-2023 Team: Grand Rapids (AHL)
2022-2023 Stats: GP: 10 G: 1 A: 7 PTS: 8 PM: 12 +/-: -4
Simon Edvinsson is in the first year of his three-year entry-level contract with the Red Wings. Edvinsson started the year in Grand Rapids (AHL) and just recently returned from a three-game absence. Edvinsson almost made the Red Wings out of training camp and will likely be the first defenseman recalled for the Griffins, if necessary. Edvinsson may not make an appearance in the NHL this season but should make the NHL roster to start in 2023.
Marco Kasper-C
Age: 18
Draft: 2022, Round 1, #8 Overall
2022-2023 Team: Rogle BK (SHL)
2022-2023 Stats: GP: 16 G: 3 A: 7 PTS: 10 PM: 6 +/-: +11
Marco Kasper was drafted in June and has already signed a three-year entry-level contract with Detroit. He is currently on loan to Rogle BK (SHL). Kasper is in his third partial season in the SHL and has already played 72 regular-season games at the SHL level. Next year, Kasper will likely make his North American debut and will be given every opportunity to make the Red Wings out of training camp.
Jared McIsaac-LD
Age: 22
Draft: 2018, Round 2, #36 Overall
2022-2023 Team: Grand Rapids (AHL)
2022-2023 Stats: GP: 14 G: 1 A: 6 PTS: 7 PM: 8 +/-: -1
Jared McIsaac is playing in the final year of his three-year entry-level contract with Detroit. He will have to either make Detroit or go through the waiver process to be assigned back to Grand Rapids (AHL) next year. McIsaac continues to improve and after 94 AHL regular season games looks like he could play in the NHL soon. If McIsaac stays healthy, he should push for a spot on the Red Wings blueline in 2023.
Cross Hanas-W/C
Age: 20
Draft: 2020, Round 2, #55 Overall
2022-2023 Team: Grand Rapids (AHL)
2022-2023 Stats: GP: 14 G: 7 A: 4 PTS: 11 PM: 10 +/-: -9
Cross Hanas is playing in the first year of his three-year entry-level contract. Hanas had a terrific Prospects Tournament and has continued that success into his first professional season in the AHL. Hanas looks like he has what it takes offensively to make it to the next level. He needs to continue to work on his defensive game before he is given serious consideration for a call-up to the NHL. If Hanas makes strides in his defensive game, he could be an option in Detroit in 2023 or 2024.
