It was an open-ended query—What do you need to do effectively to have a profitable season—directed at Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman that produced an unlikely mixture.
After some generic phrases about defensive solidity and the significance of particular groups, Yzerman mentioned, “We misplaced David Perron, Daniel Sprong, and Robby Fabbri. Merely could not afford to maintain all three of them. We might prefer to suppose Vlad Tarasenko offsets a kind of losses. We predict Jonatan Berggren get offset one other of these losses.” The primary substitute is a two-time Stanley Cup champion with 293 profession objectives to his title. The second is a 24-year-old whose profession video games performed (79) do not but add as much as a full season. So why is that this the corporate Berggren retains?
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After a irritating season wherein he managed to look in simply 12 NHL video games, Yzerman’s feedback are an indicator that his path to being a full-time Pink Wing has re-opened after the setback of the ’23-24 marketing campaign. A bit like 2022-23, Detroit has a gap in its lineup {that a} younger scorer may fill, and along with his phrases, Yzerman makes clear the participant he expects to fill that void.
“With one participant remaining unsigned [Moritz Seider] and realizing what the wage cap is, [we] in all probability weren’t ready presently to do a two-year deal,” Yzerman defined of his negotiation with Berggren. “So each events are snug with a one-year deal, and Jonatan goes out and has a strong season, he is in an excellent spot to renegotiate after one 12 months.”
In fact, that does not imply success, or perhaps a roster spot, is assured for the younger Swede. “What he must do?” Yzerman requested himself. “Simply be a very good hockey participant in all facets of the sport offensively, defensively.” It is that final prepositional phrase that holds the important thing. Detroit is aware of Berggren can thrive offensively, however to stay and to suit into the group’s emphasis on protection heading into a brand new season, he might want to present extra.
“He is received loads of expertise,” Yzerman continued. “We’re actually happy with how he performed down the stretch. It was a tricky 12 months for him, up and down a little bit bit, however he labored laborious each time he went again to GR and seeing him right here in Detroit within the preseason, he appears like he is labored actually laborious this summer time. He is in fine condition. He is a sensible hockey participant. He is received good abilities. And it is simply the power to do it on the NHL stage, and he is proven in a few of his call-ups and temporary durations that he is known as up that he has the power and the hockey sense to play within the NHL. He is labored laborious, he is been affected person, and he’ll get a very good alternative this 12 months.”
In the long run, it is the precise alternative Berggren craved—to show his worth on the NHL stage. Although he’ll need to earn it in camp, with Fabbri, Perron, and Sprong gone, there’s a roster spot awaiting him that wasn’t out there a 12 months in the past. Now that the chance has arrived, it is going to be as much as Berggren to earn it.
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How Lucas Raymond’s Contract Compares to Other Young NHL Stars
Red Wings, Raymond Agree to Max-Term Extension
Breaking Down the Red Wings’ Organizational Goalie Depth ahead of Training Camp
Berggren, Red Wings Agree to 1-year Deal
Report: Larkin AAV May Provide “Internal Cap” on Raymond, Seider Contracts
