Training camp/preseason can be quite the drag. We all just want the regular season to start since the results actually matter. Nevertheless, it’s all part of the process. We’re forced into arguments of who the 7th defensemen should be, overreact to PTO signings, and so on and so forth. But in the end, this stuff actually matters.

The added evaluation period prior to the season helps shape the roster and gives a timeline for some of the younger players. In some instances, players will find themselves unemployed because they didn’t take things seriously. 

For the Red Wings, there will be plenty to keep an eye on. Here are three things to consider during training camp:

The roster may not be as wide open as fans would hope for but we do know this: There are at least three openings for younger players to grab. Last year, the expectation was that one of Tyler Bertuzzi or Evgeny Svechnikov would crack the opening night lineup. Instead, they both sustained injuries and would eventually return to Grand Rapids.

This season many have speculated Filip Hronek, Michael Rasmussen, and Filip Zadina will be suiting up against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 4th. However, there is quite the logjam of prospects banging on the door, and one of them might just bang it down.

It’s hard to count out Joe Hicketts after his spectacular preseason last year and albeit short, he didn’t look out-of-place in his five game call-up. Svechnikov is coming in with a chip on his shoulder and could prove last season was just an aberration. Dennis Cholowski has also been a sleeper, coming off a big performance at the Traverse City prospects tournament. Even Dominic Turgeon could surprise many as an option as a depth center with a two-way game. Lastly, Jussi Jokinen – who is playing on a PTO – could beat out someone like Luke Witkowski.

In the aftermath of Henrik Zetterberg retiring, we will see Andreas Athanasiou shift to center. Head coach Jeff Blashill confirms Athanasiou will be the third center behind Dylan Larkin and Frans Nielsen. In the past Double-A has struggled down the middle and been much more effective on the wing.

Preseason will paint a better picture as to how much responsibility he can take on. Teams will for the most part not be playing there stars a whole lot, which will give AA a slight feeling out period to get comfortable in his new role. His line-mates might reveal some additional details for what is to come. Will Blashill try to re-spark his chemistry with Thomas Vanek? Or will he have to carry the load for younger teammates?

The Red Wings invested a lot into their power-play this off-season. The biggest change being behind the bench, with Dan Bylsma being brought in as an assistant head coach. After struggling mightily the past two seasons there are no more excuses.

The preseason will give us a glimpse of several components. While results would be nice, the main focus will be on the system. From entries to offensive zone play, we’ll see how Detroit operates on the man-advantage. Last year, Detroit mainly relied on the drop pass in the neutral zone for entries and perimeter play while looking for a one-timer option up-top. They became way too predictable and therefore struggled.

The personnel decisions will also be key. Will Niklas Kronwall be running a unit this time around or will that role go to Hronek/Hicketts? Do they load up one unit or look for balance? A lot of questions to ask and we may have some answered during the preseason.