Red Wings Reduce Their Roster To 41

What began as an initial roster of 68 players has since shrunk down to 41 as training camp comes to a close and preseason action concludes on Saturday in Toronto. Detroit made several roster moves leading up to that game as part of their preseason efforts, which ends. Defensive player Chaz Reddekopp was sent back to Toledo Walleye as well despite not attending Red Wings training camp; goaltender Gage Alexander also joined them, although some are yet to join. Now Detroit must decide on its remaining 18 players before Monday at 5 PM when opening night rosters must be submitted for opening night games. Watson made his case on Friday by engaging two Ottawa players in an altercation while protecting star blueliner Moritz Seider from danger. Coaches and teammates were amused by Watson’s dust-up with Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews; but is that enough reason for him to earn an NHL contract? 2024 first round draft selection Michael Brandsegg-Nygard could return home after playing against Toronto on Saturday night’s final preseason match-up at Skelleftea Ice Arena in Sweden. Detroit and he player will need to decide whether he plays games in the AHL this season; more broadly speaking, Red Wings must decide how their roster should be divided up between 12 forwards, eight defensemen, and three goaltenders, or whether another structure would prove more advantageous.