"Ask Art": Red Wings Mailbag

DETROIT -- Detroit Red Wings fans are constantly asking me, "If the playoffs were to begin today, would the club be in?" As of writing this answer, Detroit is currently fourth in the Atlantic Division with 31 points and tied with the New York Rangers for the second wild card spot.

Certainly, the standings are tight and a lot of hockey is still to be played, but the Red Wings have been competitive and entertaining all season. In this edition of "Ask Art," the Red Wings' official mailbag, the questions reflect the enthusiasm of Hockeytown faithful and some tough decisions facing Detroit's top brass as the 2022-23 season progresses.

It seems that Tyle Bertuzzi and Robby Fabbri may be back around the same time with Filip Zadina not far behind. How are all of these forwards going to fit into the lineup, especially with the emergence of Jonatan Berggren? Chip, Royal Oak

With the moves Red Wings executive vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman made this offseason, he was hoping to create depth and competition throughout Detroit's lineup. Well, mission accomplished. The Red Wings have been able to survive the loss of Bertuzzi, Fabbri, Zadina and Jakub Vrana. Make no mistake, this is a good problem for the Wings to have; it means they have begun to ascend up the NHL ladder.

Yzerman's acquisitions, the emergence of Berggren, Joe Veleno's production and Michael Rasmussen's continued development have provided a significant boost to the forward corps. Despite injuries to several key players, Detroit has managed to successfully insert pieces up and down the lineup like a puzzle, one that will continue to change its shape as the season progresses,

How has Simon Edvinsson performed in Grand Rapids,and do you still think we'll see him in a Red Wings uniform this season? Troy, Facebook

On Episode 187 of The Red and White Authority podcast
, Grand Rapids Griffins head coach Ben Simon told me that Edvinsson has been holding his own while he continues to adjust to the North American style of play. Through 15 games, the gifted defenseman - with an offensive flair - has nine points (1-8-9).. Simon added that Edvinsson is an NHL player and will have a long career in the league.
Perhaps Edvinsson's biggest obstacle thus far was recently shaking off a lingering illness that kept him out of the lineup for several games. But he is healthy now,and will continue to be utilized in every situation for Grand Rapids. However, whether we see him in Detroit this season is an interesting question. Yzerman has been adamant that if Edvinsson is in Detroit, he wants the young blueliner to play significant minutes. In short, he's not going to be riding the bench.
So, could we see a situation similar to what Moritz Seider experienced during in his first pro season in North America, which was a full year in the AHL? If the COVID-19 pandemic didn't wipe out the end of the 2020-21 campaign for both the Griffins and the Red Wings, I feel Seider most likely would have been called up to get a taste of the NHL. Would the Detroit call up Edvinsson for nine games, the maximum number of games he could play, before the first year of his three-year entry-level contract kicks in? Possibly, but the circumstances may be different for Edvinsson than they would have been for Seider.

As much as we are all eagerly anticipating Edvinsson in a Red Wings uniform, his debut, in all likelihood, is looking to be next season. That will be especially true if Grand Rapids is embroiled in their own playoff quest later this year.

What do you think Pius Suter's role has grown into this season, with him seemingly seeing time on every line since being a healthy scratch at the start of the season? Jack, Harrison Township

After being a healthy scratch on Opening Night against the Montreal Canadiens, Pius Suter has played in every game. Through 24 games, the versatile forward has accumulated four goals and four assists while averaging 12:41 of ice time.
Jack, your observation of Suter being able to play on all four lines is spot on. As a matter of fact, I would label him a super-utility player, meaning he can play anywhere up front and not look out of place. Suter can serve as a wing or center, and has been outstanding on the penalty kill. It's apparent the coaching staff trusts him. If there is a need for a player to be inserted into a top-six forward role at the last minute, or if they want to shake up their line combinations, Suter has established himself as part of the mix. I'm sure he would like to improve on his current 42.3 faceoff percentage. While he initially struggled in the dot last season, Suter eventually finished at 49.3 percent, marking a significant improvement.

Suter's calling card is his versatility, intelligence and safe play. It's not that he won't take risks on the ice, because he has an ability to read plays and anticipate when it's appropriate to take a chance. Suter is a solid, dependable player that every team needs.

Should the Red Wings make an offer for Jakob Chychrun? It would be expensive. Terry, Twitter

A few months ago, I would have written, "Yes! Yes! Yes!" The 24-year-old, 6-foot-2, 220-pound Arizona Coyotes defenseman is an exceptional two-way player. And his contract, a $4.6 million cap hit through 2025, is team friendly. So, why am I a bit more hesitant now? First, Arizona's demands would be steep. I would project the Coyotes would ask for some combination of at least one accomplished veteran, multiple high-round draft picks, a couple of high-end prospects and maybe even cash. I am not implying here. Chychrun isn't worth it.
He's a talented player, but will likely be in high demand. I just don't see the Red Wings being among the teams willing to overpay to acquire a player that may, or may not, put them over the top. Detroit has depth and talent on their back end at every level - NHL, AHL and in the international prospect pool. Also, Seider, Filip Hronek and perhaps Edvinsson, are in Chychrun's class and there is only so much ice time. Instead of looking to beef up their blueline, the Red Wings may be focused on addressing their goal-scoring needs through trade of free agency.

Should the Red Wings bring back their 2014 Winter Classic jersey? Jimmy Hockey, Twitter

Since childhood, I have been a uniform freak. I am also a traditionalist and have always been thankful the sports teams I follow have, for the most part, remained true to their colors and historic logo/crest when debuting any alternate jersey. Tweaks and slight modifications to a club's home and road jerseys are to be expected, as long as the traditional look isn't overly compromised.
The Red Wings have also kept their history and colors at the forefront of any alternate jersey design, and the 2014 Winter Classic jersey is hands down their best. The sharp red jersey and the cool font for the numbers is definitely a winner. Yet, as much as I would applaud a comeback, I do feel it's one and done. You can still purchase the jersey and in today's sporting world, alternate jerseys are the norm. Perhaps, I am conditioned to the new way, but I am excited to see what the Red Wings come up with next. The team is getting better and the franchise is always going to be popular. So, you know another outdoor clash will be in the cards sooner rather than later. Plus, the next alternate jersey will embrace the history, tradition, and the red and white colors, which the franchise has always worn since 1926.

Thanks to everybody who sent in questions for the Mailbag. The response was tremendous.If your question wasn't used in this edition, it could be used in future Mailbags. If you would like to send me a question you can email me at [email protected]. You can also send me question via Facebook and Twitter. Again, thanks for your questions and see you at the rink!