Red Wings Appleton The Apple of Everyone’s Eye (+)

When the Detroit Red Wings promoted Mason Appleton to the top forward line to replace the injured Lucas Raymond, no one anticipated that Appleton would take them literally.

When an injury put Raymond on the shelf two games ago, he was leading the Red Wings in goals. Two games after stepping in for Raymond, Appleton is leading the Red Wings in goals. He’s scored three goals in 4+ periods skating on the top unit with Dylan Larkin and Emmitt Finne.

Appleton’s career single-season high for goals is 14. Normally utilized in a checking role, Appleton is proving that he can deliver the goods when more offense is asked from him.