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Thanks for joining us for our August 31-in-31 series! Every day this month we will be taking a look at each team and diving into their prospect depth charts, risers and fallers, graduating prospects, and top ten prospects in the system.

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Offseason Moves

The Red Wings are looking to get younger and add two or three of their prospects to their roster this fall. Despite the re-signing of Mike Green to a two-year extension, there will be a couple of opportunities on the blue line as  Xavier Ouellett bought out and Robbie Russo traded. Those spots are most likely to be filled by Joe Hicketts or Filip Hronek. If Dennis Cholowski shows well in camp, he may also have a chance to get a cup of coffee.

The signing of Thomas Vanek and Martin Frk make things more difficult for the likes of Filip Zadina, Evgeny Svechnikov, Michael Rasmussen and David Pope. But it’s likely at least one of them makes the team. Rasmussen is a center but if he starts the season in Detroit, it will most likely be on the wing.

In goal, Jonathan Bernier, armed with a shiny new three-year deal, will compete for the starter role with Jimmy Howard. Newly signed Patrick Rybar and Harri Sateri will be the tandem in Grand Rapids and either one of them could get called up to fill in for injuries.

Graduating Players

Tyler Bertuzzi – Bertuzzi cemented himself in the lineup last season and will continue to be a key cog going forward.

Risers

Filip Zadina – The 6^th overall pick fell into Detroit’s lap and has the skill to make the team this year.

Michael Rasmussen – Rasumussen took big strides last season and got better as the year went on.

Filip Hronek – Quickly moved up the depth chart to pass other defensemen in the system. Has a chance to play in the NHL this year.

Joe Hicketts – A late season call-up last year and has the inside track on making the team.

David Pope – With a very successful college hockey career under his belt, Pope will look to compete for a spot on the Wings, but may end up spending the year in the AHL to continue his development.

Fallers

Vili Saarijarvi – Stalled in his development and eclipsed by Hronek.

Prospect Depth Chart

(AHL only contracts excluded)

Center

Michael Rasmussen, AHL/NHL

Joe Veleno, QJMHL

Zach Gallant, OHL

Dominic Turgeon, AHL/NHL

Christopher Ehn, AHL

Axel Holmstrom, AHL

Ryan O’Reilly, USHL

Chase Pearson, NCAA

Brady Gilmour, OHL

Mattias Elfstrom, Allsvenskan

Alexander Kadeykin, KHL

Left Wing

Evgeny Svechnikov, AHL/NHL

Filip Zadina (LW/RW), QJMHL/NHL

Tyler Bertuzzi, NHL

David Pope, AHL/NHL

Lane Zablocki, WHL

Axel Holmstrom, AHL

Dylan Sadowy, AHL

Dominic Turgeon, AHL

Otto Kivenmaki, Liiga

Right Wing

Filip Zadina (LW/RW), QJMHL/NHL

Givani Smith, AHL

Jonatan Berggren, SHL

Matt Puempel, AHL

John (Jack Adams), NCAA

Defense

Joe Hicketts, NHL/AHL

Filip Hronek, AHL/NHL

Dennis Cholowski, AHL

Villi Saarijarvi, AHL

Gustav Lindstrom, SHL

Libor Sulak, AHL

Kasper Kotkansalo, NCAA

Cole Fraser, OHL

Malte Setkov, SHL

Jared McIsaac, QMJHL

Dylan McIlrath, AHL

Jake Chelios, AHL

Brian Lashoff, AHL

Alec Regula, OHL

Seth Barton, NCAA

Alfons Malmstrom, (Sweden)

Reilly Webb, OHL

Patrick Holway, NCAA

Goaltenders

Filip Larsson, NCAA

Keith Petruzzelli, NCAA

Patrick Rybar, AHL

Harri Sateri, AHL

Jesper Eliasson, SuperElit

Joren Van Pottelberghe, NLA

Chas Perry, NCAA

Victor Brattstrom, SHL

Top Ten Fantasy Prospects

#1
Filip Zadina – Could buck the trend in Detroit and make the team straight out of junior.
#2
Evgeny Svechnikov – Be patient, has all the tools to succeed, just has to put it all together and stay healthy.
#3
Joe Hicketts – Showed flashes at the end of last season that he belongs in the NHL.
#4
Michael Rasmussen – Detroit’s best prospect at center, may start out on the wing to further his development, possibly this year.
#5
Filip Hronek – Has developed quickly and succeeded at every level, could take the next step as early as this year.
#6
Dennis Cholowski – A dark horse to make the team, will likely spend another season developing.
#7
Vili Saarijarvi – Took a step backwards, but still has the potential to be power play QB.
#8
David Pope – Could make the big club this year or fill in here and there.
#9
Joe Veleno – All around center will continue to develop over the next two-three years
#10
Jonatan Berggren – Potential top line winger a few years away.

Just outside the top ten

Gustav Lindstrom

Filip Larsson

Patrick Rybar

Givani Smith

Dominic Turgeon