Ranking Rookies Chances of Making Red Wings Roster

The NHL Prospect Tournament is where Red Wings youngsters go to start turning their dreams into reality. Players can’t earn an NHL roster spot by playing well there. But they can make team management and coaches notice them.

That’s what Finnish defenseman Eemil Viro did last weekend over four days in Traverse City, Mich. He made the Red Wings see that his skill sets transfers smoothly to North American ice. He led the Red Wings with +5 plus-minus.

“The first thing you notice is he’s a great skater and I like his competitive nature,” said Ben Simon, coach of the Red Wings’ team. “He’s got a good motor to him, a high battle level and he’s not afraid to get his nose dirty in the corner. That’s a pretty good set of attributes to have to work with to see how he’s going to continue to develop.”

That tournament was step one for Detroit’s rookies. The next step comes this weekend when the Red Wings training camp starts for rookies and veterans in Traverse City. Here is a projection of what kind of chance rookies have of making Detroit’s roster.

1. Defenseman Simon Edvinsson (sixth overall in 2021)

The Tampa Bay Lightning already had Victor Hedman when the Tampa Bay Lightning hired Steve Yzerman. But Yzerman had to draft his own Hedman once he came to Detroit. Edvinsson is a 6-foot-6 defender who hasn’t yet explored his offensive side. The Red Wings are not handing him a spot, but they are expecting Edvinsson to earn a place on the roster.

Chances of being a Red Wing on Opening Night: Darn Good

2. Right Wing Jonatan Berggren ( 33rd overall in 2018)

Berggren improved significantly last season in Grand Rapids when he put up 21 goals, and added 43 assists, or 64 points in 70 game. His confidence expanded as the season wore on.  The question is where would he fit? Is he polished enough to claim a spot in the top six?

Chances of being a Red Wing on Opening Night: Not totally out of the question

3. Left Wing Elmer Soderblom (159th overall in 2019)

If you look at Soderblom’s history, he needs time at a new level before he begins to find his comfort zone. He may need time in Grand Rapids just to figure out how he needs to play in North America. But his 6-foot-8 size, long reach and hands around the net give him a better shot than most. The Red Wings are intrigued by him. If he looks sharp in training camp and scores in preseason, Steve Yzerman might keep him.

Chances of being a Red Wing on Opening Night: Not totally out of the question

4. Right Wing Cross Hanas (55th overall in 2020)

The former WHL standout can score, pass, kill penalties and play on the power play. Played impressively in Traverse City. But he hasn’t played a pro game yet. Most players need the AHL,

Chances of being a Red Wing on Opening Night: Needs time in Grand Rapids

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5. Defenseman Eemil Viro (70th overall in 2020)

Played well in the NHL Prospects Tournament. But that doesn’t mean he’s ready for the show. GM Steve Yzerman brought in five veteran defensemen. If Edvinsson makes the team, it doesn’t leave room for another rookie on defense.

Chances of being a Red Wing on Opening Night: Needs time in Grand Rapids

#RedWings are up 2-1 as we head to the 2nd!

Eemil Viro! 🚨

Tune in » https://t.co/DhGaSSSuXq pic.twitter.com/8hh0rwc14A

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 19, 2022

6. Defenseman Albert Johansson (60th overall in 2019)

He has shown more offense than Viro. With three full seasons in the SHL, 21-year-old Johansson is more seasoned than some young players. But the situation isn’t set up for him to grab a spot on the roster.

Chances of being a Red Wing on Opening Night: Needs time in Grand Rapids

7. Center Chase Pearson (140th overall in 2015)

Consider this scenario: New coach Derek Lalonde is looking to freshen up this team top to bottom. He wants a new face centering that fourth line. He wants someone with size who would embrace that role and give the team some energy. That could be someone like Pearson. He’s 25. It’s now or never for Pearson.

Chances of being a Red Wing on Opening Night: Longshot.

8. Defenseman Jared McIsaac (36th overall in 2018)

Injuries have slowed McIsaac’s progress as a prospect. But he’s still only 22 and he’s still in the long-term mix. Had 24 points for the Griffins last season. Improving as a two-way defender.

Chances of being a Red Wing on Opening Night: Longshot.

9. Defenseman Donovan Sebrango (63rd overall in 2020)

Just because the Red Wings like Sebrango doesn’t mean they will fast track him. Even though he has spent parts of two seasons in the American Hockey League, he’s not ready. Still learning his craft.

Chances of being a Red Wing on Opening Night: Longshot.

10. Right Wing Pontus Andreasson (Signed as free agent)

He offers more mystery than most prospects because he wasn’t on anyone’s radar until last season when he netted 18 goals in Lulea. Andreasson had a decent SHL playoffs. He’s a late bloomer. He’s 24.  But he’s only played 52 games in 2021-22. The best guess would be that he will need to go down to the American Hockey League.

Chances of being a Red Wing on Opening Night: Interesting. But still a longshot