Detroit has yet to settle its final blue-line spot before Opening Night, with Jacob Bernard-Docker and younger defensemen among the candidates. Anton Johansson has drawn attention for his progress with the Grand Rapids Griffins and improved defensive play.
Detroit's training-camp roster included 16 defensemen as the club worked toward a 23-player roster. Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson are expected to anchor the top pair, while Axel Sandin-Pellikka is already projected into the defensive group; Anton Johansson and William Wallinder are also seeking NHL opportunities.
Coach Todd McLellan is evaluating veterans and younger players, with the compressed camp and four-game preseason, which began Sept. 21, leaving little time to make a case. Detroit must weigh immediate NHL readiness against prospects' long-term development; Bernard-Docker could remain the established option if no younger defenseman clearly separates himself.
