Shoring up D and C

The only problem I have with adding 3 forwards is that we should have some kids pushing for a roster spot full time. Hirose, Smith, and maybe Veleno, and a few others might make a strong case to stay. I’d swap MDZ and Danny D in the lineup too. Del Zotto might get the odd game here and there, or be the 7th guy until DeKeyser is hurt

Eric Haula on a one year deal to be traded at the deadline if Joe Veleno makes a case for being moved up on a permanent basis.
Pánik on expiring contract allowing for Berggren to move up after trade deadline, if not then there's a spot for Smith.
Del Zotto on a one year deal to allow for a trade if Johansson shows enough to move up.

First call-up to Veleno, Berggren, Johansson. If Veleno gets called up then Barggren takes over at 1C in GR. I wan't to see if Jonatan can make it at that position.

As an armchair-GM I leave the line-ups to the coach.

I specifically am looking to not exposing any of the kids without having a stable team around them when they do come up. Hirose has been up and down for three years now but not made a very good case to stay. Smith is a 4th-liner that can only play on the left wing and there are already way to many left wingers on the team which is unfortunate for him.

There are expiring contracts on the team to allow for deals to be made at the deadline that opens up spots for Veleno, Berggren (or Smith), and Johansson if they should show that they deserve it.

Gross, that Wennberg contract is pretty terrible. Most of these signings make little sense. Veleno looked good in his short stint, no reason not to give him the same opportunity next season. Ras looks like he can fill a role as a solid bottom 6 C.

I am giving him the same opportunity as last year. If you read the team description and actually look at the contracts signed you'll find that Eric Haula is on a 1-year contract that gives Veleno the opportunity to play on a first line in GR between Raymond and Berglund until the trade deadline when he's brought up. That gives Veleno an opportunity to develop without pressure and it also gives both Raymond and Berggren a good centre.

Rasmussen had a FO% that was even worse than Filppula and Nielsen last year. He's nowhere near being a centre in the NHL next year.

Wennberg is a decent 2C which happens to be the weakest position of all for Detroit. Even if we draft a future star centre it'll take at least 3-4 years until he'll be as good as Wennberg is today, that'll be when Wennbergs contract is about to expire.

Nosek is already better than Glenny is and Glenny is there as insurance in case of injuries.

Detroit simply cannot continue playing with only one NHL-quality centre as they have been doing the last few years.