The Detroit Red Wings are two weeks from the start of the NHL prospect camp, with the main training camp to follow. With some roster spots already taken, there are few spots left for young players to come in and make a statement, which could result in some big battles for the few roster spots that do exist.
The Red Wings' main training camp and NHL prospect camp will take place at the Center ICE arena in Traverse City, Michigan. The prospect camp will be a two-day event, held on Saturday, September 14, and Sunday, September 15.
Detroit will host the Dallas Stars in a quick series, profiling some of the team's best prospects. The Red Wings will hit the ice for the main camp on Thursday, September 19- Sunday, September 22, including the annual Red and White game on the 22nd.
With that said, there will be intense battles for positions on both sides of the puck. Four players who will be at camp are close to capturing a roster spot, and this may be the best opportunity they get this season.
The Detroit Red Wings are hoping for big things from their young players
Defenseman Simon Edvinsson has had a small sample size with Detroit but has looked extremely good. Last season, he produced one goal and one assist for two points in 16 games but showed he has grown as a player.
He has played 25 games in the NHL and has scored three goals and one assist for four points. Defenseman Albert Johansson played the entire 2023-24 season with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League.
He totaled six goals and 15 assists for 21 points in 66 games. Edvinsson and Johansson will battle for roster spots with Jeff Petry and Justin Holl.
At forward, Carter Mazur spent last season with Grand Rapids and produced 17 goals and 20 assists for 37 points in 60 games. A real threat to take a roster spot in Detroit, this camp is going to be crucial to see if he can make the opening night roster.
Center Nate Danielson played last season for the Brandon Wheat Kings and Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League. he would total 24 goals and 43 assists for 67 points in 54 games. The promising duo will likely take on the likes of Tyler Motte, Austin Watson, Sheldon Dries, and Jonatan Berggren for open spots.
Out of these four talented players looking to make the team, Edvinsson, and Mazur have the best shot in making the team on opening night and play a regular shift. Both players are effective two-way players and can make a difference with ice time.
Edvinsson has proven he can play at this level, but Mazur is determined to make the Detroit roster out of training camp, which is likely.
This camp is going to be fun to watch as these four try to show the veterans they can play and are ready for the next level. Don't sleep on these four players, as they do have talent and have been waiting for spots to open. The time is now for them to go to camp and earn a spot.