Observations:

October 2014- Andersson put in the work over the summer to come into camp in the best shape possible. Last year was the tale of two halves for Joakim as he began the year in an everyday bottom six role being a regular contributor on the penalty kill. Then because of a combination of poor play and injuries he lost his role to the former College free agent Luke Glendening. Glendening has since seized the role and secured himself a new one-way contract forcing Andersson to work for old role and spot on the team. No need to look this way for fantasy purposes though as there are many other prospects in the system with much higher ceilings. Travis Watson

August 2013 – The Red Wings were able to re-sign restricted free agent Andersson to a two-year $732,500 dollar contract. The agreement was signed August 6th and now leaves Gustav Nyquist as the only remaining restricted free agent to sign. Andersson slid into the third-line center role once he was brought up last season in place of the injured Darren Helm and really helped solidify the Wings down the middle. He was part of a trio that included the aforementioned Nyquist and Swiss rookie Damien Brunner who remains unsigned on the free agent market. For Andersson his immediate role is uncertain due to having 15 forwards signed and the uncertainty regarding Helm’s back injury. But look for him to see duty in either the third or fourth line center role where he can help the Wings with his dependable two-way play that Detroit demands. Travis Watson

June 2013- Andersson was part of the second wave of recruits along with Gustav Nyquist and Danny Dekeyser that helped solidify the Griffins squad enroute to the Calder Cup Championship. Andersson posted two goals and two assists in the finals and scored one of the empty net clinching goals in Game 6. His playoff totals were three goals and five assists for 8 points with a minus-2 rating. Andersson's spot on the Wings next year will likely depend on the health of speedster Darren Helm but will surely be an injury call-up at the very least. Travis Watson

March 2013 – There is no looking back for Anderson and the Red Wings at this point. His offensive potential is yet to show up, but he is proving very capable as a third line center creating scoring chances and being very responsible on the ice. His ice time is growing and he should be watched, if he gains more muscle and strength, he could become a similar player to Johan Franzen from the swing position. Jason Banks

December 2012 – Andersson has continued to be a strong performer this season playing with more of an edge. For those in leagues that count PIMs, Andersson has jumped from the low 30s to 49 in only 28 games and is on pace for around 130 on the season. His production has not suffered as a result and he should finish with another season in the 50 point region. He is close to seeing extended time in Detroit as a utility forward. Jason Banks

May, 2011 – Andersson possesses good NHL size and plays an aggressive style of game. He is considered an extremely consistent performer and has a very solid all-around game – prototypical to Red Wings’ players. Andersson sounds like a lock to be the type of player Detroit covets, but on the third or fourth line. Ryan Goddard

Fantasy Outlook: C+

Andersson has improved his offense and will look to force his way onto the Wings roster out of training camp. Worst case scenario begins the year in Grand Rapids in a top 6 role before getting the call as an injury replacement.

Footage:

JoakimAndersson displays his gritty side:

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Fantasy Prospects Report Notes (Any FPR's released in the last 18 months will not be listed here):

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JoakimAndersson statistics courtesy of Elite Prospects