Here is where I believe every player on the Red Wings roster currently slots into the lineup.
Key: Green - strong fit, Yellow - average fit, Orange - weak fit, Red - no player who fits
Following on my last post, there are a number of holes that need to be filled, before the Red Wings push to be in contention, and those are shown in RED. When those holes are filled (and the ORANGE spots are eliminated), Jeff Blashill will go from being evaluated based on player development, to one who is evaluated based on team performance.
The most glaring holes here, are on the second line. While Lucas Raymond or Jakub Vrana could both fill in on the first line, neither is currently a true top line player (right now). Raymond could very well develop into one, but for now, he isn't there yet. Both of these guys are solid top-6 wingers. Another top-line winger will be needed to contend.
On the third line, we find two guys that are currently on the second line, Robby Fabbri and Pius Suter. They are performing capably, but are subpar when stacked up against contenders. Zadina is the wild-card here, as he seems to have offensive potential, but had yet to see results. Vlad Namestnikov is a capable third-liner with some ability to fill-in elsewhere, but his offensive ability is limited.
The fourth line is chock full of a hodge-podge of centers that don't really have an NHL identity. In my last entry, I discussed Michael Rasmussen's struggles to stick to a role, as well as Joe Veleno's inability to find one. The only guy who clearly has a clear future on this line is out injured, Mitchell Stephens. After a solid season last year, Adam Erne has disappeared. He is serviceable for an energy role.
On defense, we have another glaring hole on the top pair. Moritz Seider is a clear top-2 d-man, and plays it every night, but he needs help. Marc Staal and Danny DeKeyser have filled in there this season, but neither is a top-4 defender, with the latter probably not being an NHL caliber player anymore. Nick Leddy remains a capable puck-moving defenseman, but his ability to eat minutes isn't what it used to be. He remains a top-4 for his puck moving, but is a liability in his own zone.
Filip Hronek is also a capable puck-mover, but since he moved to the second pair (and matching up against opponents second line) his defensive numbers have failed to improve. His offensive has improved, if you consider his decrease in power-play time.
On the third pair, we have two solid players on the right side. Neither provide a whole lot of offensive upside, despite good instincts, but both can eat minutes. The left side, is another story. Marc Staal is clearly valued for his leadership, and physical presence, but has lost more than step since his prime. He is a capable third pair guy, but nothing more. Jordan Oesterle has filled in admirably this season when injuries have hit, but he has never played a full season, and isn't what most would consider a minutes-eater. He can step in when needed, but is a 6-7th d-man.
In the crease, Thomas Greiss has taken a substantial step in reverse this season. There was cause for optimism when he finished last season on a tear. However, age may be taking it's toll, and a stop-gap backup for Nedeljkovic may be needed. Ned has cemented himself as the team's starter, and has the look of a top-10 netminder in the NHL.
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