Ryan Sproul set for MRI, Robbie Russo set for debut

The end of the season is near and getting there in one piece is going to be a big moment for the Red Wings. Now that the Wings have traded away some of their “dead weight.” We’re going to see younger players get some opportunities.

Ryan Sproul unfortunately was injured when his skates got caught up during play. In his place, the Wings have called up defensemen Robbie Russo.

Russo is having a great year and brings a lot to the table. What does it mean that Sproul is out, especially if this is a long-term knee injury? Is Russo capable of taking his spot in the lineup?

Sproul is having a fine season thus far. He has seven points in twenty-eight games and has not looked terribly out of place when on the ice. He has not had the best shot differential numbers. Hovering around 45%CF or so this year. The relative percentage isn’t great either.

Like many of the Red Wings players that have played this year, there PDO has been brutal. Has that been a symptom of poor players or just poor luck. Next year will give us a better indication into what is happening there.

Russo actually has similar numbers in the AHL to what Sproul had there. Russo though seems slightly more dynamic at least in regard to skating. The drop off between the two doesn’t seem like it will be much. Russo has been on the edge of making the team for a while. If he can make an impression, he could have the inside track on defense this next year.

If the Wings end up going fully for the tank and start sitting players, Russo may not get the best opportunity. If he succeeds despite it, that will be a nice and convenient surprise. Especially given the circumstances.

While the season is virtually done, there are still storylines to follow and the future of the blue line is one of them. They need players to step up and the back end being good is what is needed. This will be quite an audition for Russo. It’s unfortunate that it has to come after Sproul gets injured.