I could definitely see Svechnikov making the opening roster if Detroit wants to figure out what they've got in him asap before he's eligible for waivers. A good half season is the only way to do that. Other than that I think they will be very patient with the kids. Zadina looked good but I think another half season as a top line guy in GR would be good for him. Veleno should be in GR to adjust to the pro game. Rasmussen should go to GR, he simply didn't look NHL ready, all he brought to the table was net front presence.
I wouldn't be surprised if a stop-gap UFA is brought in for a 2nd line role. I'm kind of sick of Vanek so I'd prefer someone else. Maybe a veteran who is confident they have more to offer and wants a one year deal in a big role to prove it to the league, and then leaves at the deadline or next free agency to a contender. Guys like Pominville or Brassard. Or possibly a player in their prime who was in a bad situation like Rieder. I don't think he suddenly lost the ability to put up 30 points, he was put in a **** situation.
I also think Yzerman will try and get an asset with Callahan's last year, it just makes too much sense, he knows the gm and Callahan etc. etc.
Bertuzzi - Larkin - Mantha: Don't break up what works
Athanasiou - Nielsen - UFA: The rest of the top 6 worthy forwards
Hirose - Glendening - Svechnikov: I feel like this line will have a good mix of offensive ability (Svechnikov's shooting and Hirose's playmaking) and defensive stability (Svechnikov can grind and Glendening is a defensive specialist)
Helm - De La Rose - Abdelkader/Callahan: Pure defensive line
Scratches: Witkowski, Callahan/Abdelkader
There's already a thread for defensemen. I personally think it will be the exact same as what we ended the season with, baring any injuries.
If we're going for a bargain bin vet ala Brassard or Callahan, I'd like to see if maybe we can squeeze the last remaining blood from the stone known as Jason Spezza. His past two seasons were bad, but his hockey IQ is still elite and could probably be had for a 1 year, 1.5 deal.
Best case scenario is he has a decent season as our second line center with AA who we then could trade for a pick. Worst case scenario is he sucks and we bury him in the A.
Mantha-Larkin-Bertuzzi
Athanasiou-Spezza-Prospect/Hirose
Hirose/prospect- Nielsen- Helm
Ehn-Glendenning-Abdelkader
"Prospect" = one of Svenchikov, Zadina, or Rasmussen. I think all will get 30ish games, but am not sure who would start the season, as all could use some seasoning. Once TDL and we either trade or bury Spezza comes we move Nielsen up to 2nd and bring up Veleno.