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Detroit Red Wings: Prospects that are Making a Roster Push

By Brian Wallace

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 23: Detroit Red Wings defenseman Dennis Cholowski (21) handles the puck on the point during the third period in the preseason game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Detroit Red Wings on September 23, 2018, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 23: Detroit Red Wings defenseman Dennis Cholowski (21) handles the puck on the point during the third period in the preseason game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Detroit Red Wings on September 23, 2018, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Needing to get younger. The Detroit Red Wings have had several prospects step up in the preseason and grab attention. The young Wings are making a push for a roster spot. This is excellent news for the organization.

Does preseason matter? For a team that regularly finds itself in the playoffs not really, but for a team needing a boost all over its roster absolutely. That is where the Detroit Red Wings are in the rebuilding process.

Three names that jump out at this seasons training camp and through four preseason games are Dennis Cholowski (D), Libor Sulak (D) and Michael Rasmussen (W.) Not only have they gotten the attention of fans but perhaps more importantly, their teammates.

Dennis Cholowski’s game is leaps and bounds over where he was a year ago. He is skating with his head up and shooting the puck. Dennis has 1 goal and 3 assists this preseason. It should be expressed, Cholowski has gone up against both Phil Kessel and Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins and did very well for himself and the Red Wings.

Libor Sulak has been just as dependable. He may be the most well-rounded of the Wings defensive prospects. It seems Cholowski has an offensive edge. Do not be fooled, Sulak has played near flawless defense for the Wings.

Michael Rasmussen has to lead the charge on the young wingers trying to make the roster. Rasmussen looks like a man on a mission. He’s playing with confidence at both ends of the ice. It is no surprise he has a game-winning goal in the preseason. What has been a pleasant surprise is just how far his defensive game has come.

Joe Hicketts has had an excellent preseason as well. His size is a concern. At 5′ 8″ Joe has been all over the ice. He jumps in an mixes it up. His high motor has not gone unnoticed. But, there are real questions about his size. For me, he is a bubble guy.

This preseason has been everything Detroit Red Wings fans could have hoped for, young players making a push. The veterans have serious competition. It is going to go down to the wire, Red Wings fans should expect to see three fresh faces in Motown when the seasons kicks into gear October 4.

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I believe it is safe to say the Detroit front office personnel and coaches are pleased with the events taken place so far. It is going to be a highly contested competition to the bitter end.

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