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Previous Post: Leafs win high tempo game over Wings

It’s interesting to see how things can change. Not that long ago, Detroit was in dire straits for right side/right shot defensemen. This season, you have Seider and Hronek both playing over 22 minutes a night. Seider, you can argue, is the stronger of the two though he logs about a minute less. Regardless, the right side just looks a lot better than it has in a while.

The left side continues to draw the ire of the comments section. I’m not going to do a deep dive, but it’s clearly the lesser pool based on some of the feedback that I’m seeing. It’s almost painful at times. The good news is that the left side position is on the rise in the prospects pool.

I’ve written several times regarding Simon Edvinsson. I just saw another write up from someone who had Seattle taking Edvinsson and was surprised that the big left side defenseman fell to Detroit. Now standing at over 6’5” (and possibly still growing) Edvinsson is tied for 3rd in the SHL for points for a defenseman. In 16 games he has 9 points (1G 8A) and is averaging 19:42. (His ice time has diminished a bit lately). At 18, he’s holding his own and in the mix of a top rookie. The Wings have shown some highlights recently. This kid can skate with the puck incredibly well. I was surprised to see a San Jose blog brush off the Dman saying he won’t be in the NHL for several years yet. I have a feeling he may be in North America next year.

Also on the list is 20 year old Albert Johansson. His ice time is on the rise and is now averaging 17:39 and has 1 goal and 6 assists in 14 games. Lidstrom scouted Johansson quite a bit last season to help Detroit keep an eye on him. The hall of fame defenseman is impressed with Johansson’s game. Detroit signed him to his ELC last summer. All that being said, Edvinsson’s numbers jump out even more as a newly drafted player.

It the not too far off future, it could be Seider/Edvinsson and Hronek/Johansson. Or switch it up. Either way, there’s a lot to like heading to the blue line. Stecher could well hold on to the third line spot.

You never know who will surprise in development and possibly be a 3rd pairing defender. (Speaking of depth, Elmer Soderblom continues to lead his team in goals while playing around 12 minutes per game, could be a bottom 6 forward some day if he can perform on the smaller ice). Sebastian Cossa looks like goaltending gold (gold-tending?). Detroit needs another top 6 center. Larkin really looks good this year. We need someone to match his ability in the center position. Raymond is coming along. Zadina is coming. Veleno had a really good debut in Toronto. Each year players will move in/move out.

I still hold out hope that the left side can improve a bit (Leddy still adjusting, has skated into the Ozone with some nice plays). Regardless, the improvement is being made within the system. Each new year will bring another piece of excitement. The right side (defense and forward) has really been given a bump up this season. Maybe we’ll see a left side leap next year.


Some of my previous posts:

Previous Post: Leafs win high tempo game over Wings

Previous Post: Veleno called up.

Previous Post: Panthers win in OT, Wings play fantastic game<

My last post: Wings vs Panthers pregame - Panthers move on from coach Q

Appreciating Gr8ness

My previous postRaymond surprises NHL and EA Sports

Lucas Raymond got his first hat trick at 19

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