Our newest Red Wings roster countdown is nearing the finish line!
The Detroit Red Wings are now less than two weeks away from the start of the regular seaosn, having already played a handful of preseason games. Training Camp in Traverse City concluded at the end of last month, and there were nearly 70 players who were vying for a coveted roster spot. While the team has significantly narrowed down their roster, we’re rounding the bases towards a conclusion of our Red Wings roster countdown which includes several new players acquired by Steve Yzerman.
No. 14: D Justin Holl
As one of the latest additions to the team, defenseman Justin Holl was brought on board by GM Steve Yzerman. Holl spent the initial years of his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs and is known for adding a physical presence to the blue line. His right-handed shot fills a crucial gap in Detroit’s lineup following the trade of Filip Hronek last year.
No. 13: D Olli Maatta
The two-time Stanley Cup champion veteran brought a steadying presence to Detroit’s blue line and was rewarded with a two-year contract extension. Not known for his offense, his six goals were the most he’d tallied since 2016.
No. 12: F J.T. Compher
Similar to his new Red Wings teammates Dylan Larkin and Andrew Copp, Compher joins Detroit with prior experience playing locally at the University of Michigan, situated just 40 minutes from downtown Detroit. Prior to that, he was part of the United States National Team Development Program, which is also based in Ann Arbor. Notably, Compher brings championship experience to Detroit, having won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022.
No. 11: Robby Fabbri
Perhaps no player in recent memory has been hampered more by lower-body injuries than Fabbri. He missed the first half of last season for the Red Wings after recovering from ACL surgery, and while he was productive upon his return, he ended up right back on the shelf with a leg injury that kept him out of the last several games of the year. When he’s healthy, he demonstrates a knack for timely goal-scoring.
No. 10: David Perron
The 2019 Stanley Cup winner provided valuable veteran leadership to a young Red Wings team and posted 56 points in his first year with Detroit, one more than his total of 2021-22 with the Blues. He’s signed for one more year.
TL;DR (too long didn’t read)
- The Detroit Red Wings have completed Training Camp in Traverse City and are now in the midst of the preseason, having already won three of the four games they’ve played
- Our newest roster countdown includes a pair of names brand new to the Red Wings this season acquired by Steve Yzerman
- Our Detroit Red Wings roster countdown is nearing the finish line, with only a handful of names left to go!
Bottom Line: Nearing the finish line!
We’re inching ever closer to the start of the regular season, and there still remain a handful of decisions by coaching and management as to which players will start the year with Detroit and who will start with the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Detroit will open the regular season on Thursday, October 12 on the road against the New Jersey Devils.
