Exhibition Finale Projects to be Dress Rehearsal for Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Ben Chiarot and coach Derek Lalonde discuss their expectations for the upcoming exhibition finale on October 6, 2023, in Detroit.

This exhibition season has proven to be highly valuable for the Detroit Red Wings. Although the 23-man roster has been mostly set since training camp, playing eight games, including three consecutively and four within the span of five nights, has provided an opportunity for the coaching staff and management to evaluate player compatibility and prospect development.

Coach Derek Lalonde acknowledges that while the eight-game preseason may feel long to some, it has been incredibly beneficial this year in terms of gaining more insight into the players and their potential.

Top Five Takeaways from the Preseason:

1. Daniel Sprong Making an Impact:

Daniel Sprong, who was signed to a one-year $2 million deal by General Manager Steve Yzerman, has showcased his skills during the preseason. In his first three exhibition games, Sprong scored three goals, provided one assist, and maintained a plus-five rating. Although it’s important to consider that these performances occurred during preseason, his quick integration into the team is highly encouraging for the Red Wings. Sprong’s previous season with the Seattle Kraken, where he achieved a personal-best of 46 points in 66 games, indicates that he will bring scoring prowess to the bottom-six mix and second power play unit.

2. Strengthened Defensive Line:

Red Wings’ coach Derek Lalonde highlights that none of the seven NHL defensemen—Moritz Seider, Jake Walman, Ben Chiarot, Jeff Petry, Shayne Gostisbehere, Justin Holl, and Olli Määttä—have performed negatively during the preseason. The consistent pairing of Seider and Walman, along with the projected second pair of Chiarot and Petry, has showcased a solid back end for the team. Lalonde also notes that Shayne Gostisbehere is versatile enough to play on his off hand, making him a reliable option for the third defensive pairing with either Määttä or Holl.

3. Goaltending Stability:

With the impressive performances of Alex Lyon and James Reimer during the preseason, the Red Wings have a stable goaltending situation. Lyon, the team’s third-string goaltender, made 32 saves in a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, who fielded an NHL-heavy lineup. Lyon’s performance, along with Reimer’s 1.50 goals-against average and .930 save percentage in three preseason appearances, indicates that they will provide reliable backup options for Ville Husso.

4. Nate Danielson’s Promising Performance:

The team’s first-round pick, Nate Danielson, has impressed during the preseason. In five games, he has scored two goals, provided two assists, and maintained a plus-one rating. Danielson’s ability to play alongside NHL wingers demonstrates his potential and growth as an 18-year-old player. His performance in preseason games against seasoned professionals bodes well for his development and indicates that the Red Wings made an astute choice in selecting him.

5. Marco Kasper’s Development:

While Marco Kasper, the eighth overall pick in the 2022 draft, has shown some inconsistency and lack of engagement during the preseason, it is important to remember that he is still adjusting to the smaller ice rink in North America. His limited preseason success, including one assist and a minus-three rating in five games, led the coaching staff to assign him to the Grand Rapids Griffins. This decision allows Kasper to continue developing his skills and adapt to the different pace of the game.

For more information on the Detroit Red Wings, sign up for our Red Wings newsletter. Contact Helene St. James via email ([email protected]) or follow her on Twitter @helenestjames. Her latest book, “On the Clock: Behind the Scenes with the Detroit Red Wings at the NHL Draft,” is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Triumph Books. Personalized copies can be requested via email.

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